Epidural

[kensington09]

Hi,

I am pregnant with my second and am thinking about the birth.

With my first I didn't have any pain relief and it hurt!

So this time I'm thinking about different pain reliefs available.

I was wondering about an epidural. Pros / Cons, and what exactly do you still feel once you have had one?

If anyone could advise and put my mind at ease I'd be very grateful

Have an epidural where you are actually in charge of the pain…my daughter had one and it was fantastic ! She basically switched it off when fully dilated so she had control over the actual birth…it really worked for her . She spent hours bouncing on her ball but not being in pain really helped her focus. Good luck.💐

I had an epidural (not planned at all), but my experience was very good. You can top up as much as you want, as you have a button in your hands. However, if I would ever have an epidural again, I would try to top up less getting closer to pushing stage as you can’t literally feel any pushing. Even the midwife told me to push, I had no sensation whatsoever how hard or not hard I’m pushing and that prolonged pushing stage. I’d like to top up less towards the end, so that I could feel a least a little bit of contractions and feel when to push.
The gas didn’t help me at all, the first 2 hours only and then the pain became unbearable.
Couple of midwives advised me to have an epidural straight away and avoid traumatic experience.

Had an epidural with my 3rd as I had to go on the drip - it was amazing. I could laugh and joke and relax all through labour. The pain of my previous 2 births was hellish and I didn’t get an epidural with those as it was too late when I requested it. This time I requested it as soon as they mentioned the drip so I had it put in at the same time.

I had a little remote with a button to press to top it up every so often as it starts to fade. So I was in complete control of it.

I pushed my baby out in 8 minutes no complications and no need for instruments. I couldn’t feel the contractions nor the urge to push so the midwife had to tell me when, but as I already know how to push it was a breeze. It was weird feeling him come down and crown, because it just felt like pressure, no pain. But it was great.

The only negative I had was that it felt like I hadn’t given birth. When the midwife handed me my baby it felt like he wasn’t mine and I didn’t have that sudden rush. it took a few days to come round. But I’ve also heard that the artificial oxytocin can interfere with the balance of your natural hormones that are released at birth. Who knows, but it didn’t last and I’m glad I had such a great birth.

Wanted an active/water birth.

Was induced & had an epidural. Was bloody brilliant op.

Worst bit of the whole thing was when they pulled the tape off my back afterwards. It was a right mess & I had regular tingles on my back afterwards for about 3 years which I'm sure were linked to the damage caused to my skin but I wouldn't change any of it. X

I had one for my c section, it didn't hurt and the feelings came back pretty soon afterward actually. No on going problems, great for me but I didn't have a choice, couldn't have major surgery on gas and air haha.