Epidural, please tell me your experiences and explain to me how it will feel.

[GoodGollyMissMolly]

I am 38+2 today and I am under combined MW and Consultant care due to an existing heart problem that I was born with.

I have just gotten back from my appointment with my consultant, and he has told me that I will HAVE to have an epidural. TBH it took me back a bit as I have looked into all the possible pain releif medication and chosen to go only for gas and air and pethidine (Although I was keeping an open mind about an epidural if needed)

I dont like the idea of not being in control of my bodily functions and the thought of being numb from the waist down fills me with terror!! Sorry if this seems to be an over reaction but that is how I feel.

I need to hear as many stories of other peoples experiences with epidurals. The good, the bad and anything else. So that i know what to expect. Please tell me about your experiences.

TIA

You may not need one, but if you're at the stage where you do, it will feel wonderful! It's like coming out of hell and realising the world's still there and you're going to live.

(and I'm not a drama queen at all...).

At that point it doesn't matter (or didn't to me) that you can't feel anything - you don't care. All dignity and control has long been lost and all you care about is that the pain's gone.

Ahem.

Which valve do you have a leak on? I only ask because I too have one but was never told by my cardiologist to have an epidural because of this... perhaps it is the enlarged heart they are more worried about?

I did have epidurals with all three of mine (1st was 36 hour labour, 2nd was due to sheer terror of giving birth and 3rd was cos I was induced and completely pain phobic by now!!!)

It was all fine and I delivered vaginally with all three. I think most hospitals may give mobile epidurals as a matter of course now anyway ( I could be very wrong about that ... sure someone will correct me if that is the case)...

... my legs went really itchy with all 3 epidurals... bizarre when you're not meant to be feeling anything in your legs!

Sorry to hear about your friend. So far I'm lucky.
After it was sorted out (in April this year) I've had 2 times where my back felt like it locked, but I just took some pills and it went away the next day. Just hope it stays that way.

Sorry to hear about your friend. So far I'm lucky.
After it was sorted out (in April this year) I've had 2 times where my back felt like it locked, but I just took some pills and it went away the next day. Just hope it stays that way.

To be honest, I really did not want an epidural as was convinced it would lead to too much medical intervention. But, was induced so contractions really painful. I even stopped them topping it up as I was convinced I wouldn't be able to push the baby out.

However, just wanted to say (as it was a surprise to me) that I could feel the contractions as a wave even before the midwife picked them up on the monitor. I was also able to change position in bed - I did this without warning anyone which caused a bit of a panic! Ended up being able to push baby out without ventouse etc. So actually feel ok about having epidural even though I was really against it previously.

Hi GoodGolly....

Can only discuss epidurals from a MWs point of view.

1. MOST epidurals are effective and afford fantastic pain relief.

2. Occasionally an epidural is not totally effective and can lead to 'blind spots' where pain is concentrated.

3. If necessary, epidural can be converted to spinal very quickly if EM.LSCS is needed.

4. Post delivery complications are not unknown, but are rare when considering the numbers of epidurals used.

5. The more advanced in labour you are, then the less likely you are to be able to keep relatively still whilst the procedure is performed between contractions.

If an epiduaral has been suggested as the most effective pain relief for you considering your cardiac problems, then my experience says to have it sited as soon as posible once labour is established.

Obstetric anaesthetists will usually be only too happy to discuss the dynamics with you, if you understand and are happy,then their job is much easier and you feel more confident..

I opted for epidural at midnight, after starting contractions at 4am, and being put onto drip at 7pm as was not dilating sufficiently quickly (ie hardly at all). Only opted for epidural at midnight as was then told that would not be able to push until estimated 9am and thought that I would not be able to manage until then - would be in no fit state to push. Anaesthatist had 2 goes at putting epidural in - was getting very strong contractions because of drip and gas and air didn't touch pain really. 2nd time she thought it had 'taken' and promised to come back in 5mins to check. 3 hrs later, when it hadn't worked for all that time, she came back and ended up putting in spinal block in order to get epidural in. Was allowed to start pushing at 9am. However, no baby appeared so got packed off to theatre for forceps trial - got one on and gave up as Consultant could tell I'd been pushing right (apparently) due to the amount of room round ds's head - had just got shoulders stuck.

I would have been able to change position with epidural - but ds didn't want to have any of it and his heart rate dropped when I tried any alternative positions.

Despite emergency section, complete with total removal of all sensation, was up at about 4pm for shower - bit shaky but OK. No lasting side effects!

Hope it goes well

Had an epidural with my DS and really wished I hadn't. It slowed the labour down and when it was finally time to push I couldn't feel a thing and he had to be dragged out with forceps after 2 failed attempts with a vontouse.
2nd time round when I had my DD, I just had a little gas and air (didn't want pethidine as didn't want to be away with the fairies!) and it was a much easier and less stressful experience, yes it was painful but it was bearable and I recovered so much quicker afterwards. Like someone else suggested I would see if you can speak to a heart specialist if you already havn't and see what they say.

Spillage, that is a really good idea, I will have to dig out my appointment book and see if I can make an appointment to see him.

If would be nice to talk to the anesatist (SP?) then I could ask him alsorts, thank you mindalina.

I had an epidural after about 9 hours of labour and I'm so glad I did. When it first goes in make sure you ask for gas and air as the anesthetist is doing it as it hurts a bit, rather like a dull toothache type throbbing. When it's in you won't be able to 'feel' from the waist down, which sounds a lot worse than it actually is. I think one of the worst fears about childbirth is one of not having any control about your body. I could push myself up the bed by pushing against someone's hands and I could roll onto my side as much as the machines I was hooked up to would allow but I couldn't properly feel all of the contractions and I had to be told when to push at the end.

I also pee'd on my midwife, partner and mother too! I was using gas and air as well as the epidural and it sent me into hysterical giggles. It got to about midday (14 hours after I was induced) and dp and mum were sat at the bottom of the bed reading the papers and the midwife was writing her notes also at the bottom of the bed. I knew I needed to wee but I was laughing so much from the gas and air that I couldn't say anything and suddenly the midwife looked up and said 'can you hear running water?' and then it dawned on her that there was a waterfall coming off the end of the bed onto all their feet!! Very, very funny!!

You'll be fine. Have you spoken to your birthing partner about your fears?

Wow, so many quick responses, thank you all, this is just what I need to hear all your own experiences weather it be good or bad.

Lolololol at Mrsarchiethescaryinventor,
Yes I have spoken to both of my birthing partners, DH and my dad.
DH has said, 'ahh well, never mind'
Dad has said, 'such is life'
Not much use to me are they
They both know that I dont want an epidural, but they are both very practical people who say that if thats what the consultant says I need then that is how it is!!!!
Men ay, maybe I should have my mum there instead, then at least I can have a bit of sympathy, lol.

i would definitely speak to cardiologist as a matter of urgency as you could have baby any time now.

as long as you understand the risks / benefits of what you are doing, you can make an informed decision about your pain relief

I have to say that for me an epidural was heaven! I had not even considered it an option as wanted a water birth, natural blah blah blah. After god knows how many hours of labour and my contractions going all over the place we talked about the possibility of an epidural and I suddenly thought 'oh yeah that could be an option' for the first time and within about 1.5 hours I was totally relaxed having a cuppa and smiling!

It was the right thing to do as it was another 10 hours or so before DD finally arrived.

The needle and everything didn't really bother me - I just looked the other way and was more focussed on my contractions. It kicks in pretty quickly and tbh it felt fine. Your midwife should be with you the whole time and they will pull you up the bed and stuff like that if you slide down the pillows a bit and get uncomfy. Every so often they do an icecube test to make sure you can't feel it etc.

TBH IMO it really wasn't scary at all and I just found it incredibly relaxing after all that pain.

On the downside I could not wee at all and had to have a cathetar in for about 2 weeks afterwards but I think for most people they just have a cathetar for a couple of days.

Good luck.

forgot to say - I still managed to push DD out even though I couldn't feel anything so don't rule that out!

I cried when they took my catheter out on day 2 because it meant I had to get up and walk to the loo...

I screamed the place down (from about 2nd contraction according to dh ) until I got an epidural. Of course it wasn't in my birth plan I was down for waterbirth/gas an air/no pethedine/campfire/guitar.

It was ruddy marvallous. Highly recommended even 18 months later. I had to lean forward as far as possible over pg tummy...in between contrations and hold still. Didn't feel anything. Then it was taped up back over shoulder then to the side well out of the way, and they started letting the ansthetic in. Took about 20 mins to take effect??? But all I noticed was that the contractions disapeared. When I started feeling them again he came in and sprayed cold water onto my legs up my body. I could feel the mist but in a numb way. I had to tell him when it felt cold. Strange. Anyway after a ventouse delivery (all went well, only had complications normal to a birth without epidural, something I had been concerned about, before the contractions started) and I had to have stitches. I could feel tugging and touching, but no pain. Very strange...but welcome

After that was wheeled back to ward and helped into bed. TBH did not notice the not walking bit...didn't really want to walk after an exhausting night! Vague memories of a catheter too...I was able to pick dd up from her cot by pulling it closer on its wheels...awkard but doable.

No regrets, want one next time! Or c section...

Only thing to mention is a bit of achiness in the place where needle went in for a few weeks after, didn't bother me...just noticed now and then.

Given you've had so many positive experiences (which is the norm) I feel OK adding my not-so-positive in...

Got to 5cm dilated with DS and then seemed to stall there for hours. They insisted on putting in a syntocinon drip (this is about the only bit of the whole birth experience I feel actively aggrieved about -- I didn't want to go on syntocinon, and DS wasn't distressed at all, but every time I said anything about it (like "could we leave it for an hour and see if going for a walk helps to get things moving?" it was as if I hadn't spoken and I didn't have the energy left to fight them on it) so I opted to get an epidural because I had heard bad things about syntocinon-induced contractions and felt that if I were going to be more or less tethered to one spot and unable to move around anyway I might as well have an epidural in as well.

So, curled up on my side on the bed while they tried to get the epidural needle and tube in... and tried... and tried... and then got a consultant anaesthetist in to have a go. It took them over an hour and multiple attempts, and I was labouring for that hour in one position and unable to move because they were having a go at my spine with the needle. Apparently my epidural cavity isn't in the normal place...

And then, when they eventually got it in and I was checked again, I was fully dilated. So I'd gone from 5cm-10cm in around an hour, unable to move, and the bloody epidural wasn't even needed (so I had to wait for the first (fortunately low) dose to wear off before I could start pushing.

it was useful in the end as I wound up having a c/section (DS had come down at an angle and kind of got wedged in so firmly that they couldn't turn him enough to try a ventouse delivery -- can't help wondering if that was because I was stuck on my side for so long and unable to move around naturally to encourage good foetal positioning, though) and they could top up the epidural rather than having to put in a spinal block.

Is blood pressure a factor in why they want you to have an epidural? Having one does tend to lower your blood pressure.

I would stick to your guns if you possibly can. The consultant can advise you, but ultimately it's your birth and your decision. If the thought of being out of control is deffo not what you want, then I'd say an epi is not for you. I've had 3 births, first and third were natural with gas and air, while the middle one was a c-section and my only experience of an epidural. Physically I wouldn't say it's bad at all - a stinging when the needle goes in as with any injection, and I remember a cold feeling as the liquid went in. But then there's total pain relief. However, I also didn't like the feeling that the birth became a medical event and that I wasn't an active participant. In my case a s-section was necessary, but I would definitely avoid an epi otherwise. Good luck in getting the birth YOU want.

My experience was completely positive! I had to have an epidural as my BP was sky high. Also my waters had gone three days before so I was on an antibiotic drip and so couldn't really move about - when you are lying on the bed the pain is really concentrated!

Although they didn't call it a mobile epi as such, I did not lose all sensation in my legs and could still move about. The consultant anaesthetist who administered the epidural told me that how well it works (in terms of relieving pain only in the specific area instead of numbing your whole lower body)really depends on the skill of the person administering it, AND how well they can see your spine (usually the slimmer you are the better). I was really lucky as she told me 'I know exactly where I am going to put this!' and it worked brilliantly. I could still feel my legs and move about a bit on the bed so I never felt helpless or scared. Also, when the time to push came, they let the epidural wear off so that I could feel the contractions and push. Obviously it was extremely painful going from nothing to full on contractions, but I managed it and pushed my DD out, unassisted, in 17 mins! So perhaps you could ask them to let it wear off a bit at the end?

I really wouldn't worry about having one - the important thing is that your baby arrives safely with both of you in one piece! All the best of luck with your imminent birth x

I had an epidural for my first. I didnt like the needle going in my back, I was petrified that they were going to do damage and paralyse me.You have to keep really still, which is bloody difficult when you are in agony with contractions! Although you can't feel pain afterwards you don't have any urge to push either, you have to rely on the midwives to tell you to push. You also end up with a catheter and are far more likely to have to have an episiotomy as the rates for an instrumental birth are a lot higher with epidurals. You can't get out of bed straight after for a shower either and have to make do with a bed bath.

I wanted mobile epis with my 2 but they weren't offered. The worst of having one is having to sit still whilst still having contraction pain, and it is rather uncomfortable when the needle goes in. And no, it's not great to not be able to move your legs and have little feeling other than pins and needles. Rather that than intense pain though, IMO. Other than that, I love 'em! Managed to push just fine too. DH and I sat happily reading magazines and drinking tea last time, bliss!

Lovely! Had an epidural with my 2nd pg and it was fab. I had my waters broken (given gas and air) and had an epidural when the first proper labour pains began. It took a few goes to get it in, simply because I didn't lean forward far enough, thought this is getting tiring, slumped forward and next go, spot on.

You can top up yourself when it wears off but it's a weakened version & labour started getting painful so the anaethetist came back and topped it up directly again.

Then it was all a bit dull - in fact dh complained it lacked the drama of my first delivery . After four and a half hours my mw said I think you're ready to push now - much to my surprise, hadn't noticed a thing - and dd was born with no complications. Having an epidural meant my pushing was controlled and measured, unlike with my first labour.

Walked afterwards to have a bath and left the hospital the next morning.

haven't read all this but i felt exactly the same as you - would rather be away with the fairies than not be able to feel myself from the waist down.

so here is a positive story for you.

i hated pethidine - made me feel sick and disoriented as it wore off.

i ended up with an epidural for rocketing blood pressure and it was great.

there is a greater chance you'll end up with instruments, but don't give up - i got away with a first degree tear even though i couldn't feel the pushing at all and i think it's because the epi gave me a rest so i could concentrate properly.

Sorry to post a horror story but my experience with an epidural was horrendous.

My doctor tried 4 times to get the tubey thing (being technical here) in. In the end she claimed that I must have a congenital back deformation which was why she couldn't get it to work (anyone else smelling the BS?) and recommended that I go for a spinal x-ray once I was recovered from the birth.

Basically the epidural didn't work at all, I had four punctures in my spine, I had the headache from hell for 5 or 6 days afterwards and a total sod (again, a technical term) of a back ache. Am now at 38 weeks and will do my utmost to avoid another epidural although this time have changed doctors and hospitals (no-one's suprised right?).

What does your heart specialist say?