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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Big Girls - Problems with Epidurals?

9 replies

CupcakesHay · 16/12/2010 19:54

Hi

I'm a big girl - and due in about 7 weeks. I saw the anaesthetist yesterday. He had a look at my spine, and reckons I might have problems with having an epidural - as he couldn't feel the tips of my spine Xmas Sad - he said I need to speak to someone ASAP when I get to hospital when I'm in labour - and that if they even manage to get it in it could take an hour or so to work.

Anyhow - I was wondering if anyone had any positive tales for me - or anything which might put my mind at ease a bit?

I'm doing my best not to "panic" but my DH isn't going to make it over til 4 dasy before birth - I haven't been able to go to any antenatal classes yet - just feel a bit out of my depth with it all - if you know what i mean!

OP posts:
thisisyesterday · 16/12/2010 19:59

don't worry just yet! I don't have any advice re the epidural on larger people, but you might not need one anyway!

there is other pain relief if you need it, but you may well find you don't need or want it anyway

I had an epidural with my first baby and I hated it (well, i loved the no pain bit) because it led to a lot of intervention.
Had no pain relief at all with my second 2 as they were born at home and I can honestly say their labours were far nicer than my first!

Have a read up on positive thinking and hypnobirthing for other ways of getting through the labour :)

hope all goes well

redandyellowandpinkandgreen · 16/12/2010 20:02

I had an epidural and my BMI was about 35 as I was under consultant care due to my weight. It was no problem whatsoever - well they didn't say anything to me anyway! It went in fine and didn't take long. It goes in quite low down I think, not a bit where I carry fat anyway and I don't imagine many people do!

debka · 16/12/2010 20:09

Congratulations on your pregnancy!!

I have to see the anaesthetist next month about the same issue. With DD I never wanted or needed an epidural, so am hoping it will be the same with this one. But you never know, so I'll be watching this thread with interest...

PS cupcakeshay makes you feel such a freak, doesn't it, when our bodies are amazing and doing so very well by themselves. :)

niamh29 · 16/12/2010 20:22

I am pretty big and when I was getting an epidural with DD1 the anaesthetist asked if I had gained a lot of weight during pregnancy (I was too embarrassed to say "no I was big beforehand" ) the epidural only half worked (it only worked on one side of my body) it worked properly once I was fully dilated but I certaintly didn't have NO pain so I don't think it was 100% effective.

With DD2 I had a cs and had a huge problem getting the spinal block, it took 3 attempts and he was giving up and told me I'd have to have a full anaesthetic but I asked for the consultant to try and he got it in first go and it worked perfect.

Sorry this isn't more reassuring but the thing to remember is you will get through it just fine and even with those problems I wouldn't have called either of my births difficult or complicated!

taytotayto · 16/12/2010 20:24

dont worry i think this consultant is covering his back just in case there is a problem when the time comes. as a nurse i can tell you that any consultant thats worth their salt will be able to do it, i had my first baby last year and was screaming for one (im soft) and my bmi was/is 39 and it worked a treat even though they kept telling me i was too far gone for one but i INSISTED but as i said im soooooo soft. im pregant again and hope i wont need one but im going to get prepared this time and ask for one well in time. i have seen tonnes of BIG/HUGE (men and) women get them successfully. dont be worried it will all be ok and im sure they will take very good care of you and do their very best for you. good luck x

stinkypinky · 16/12/2010 20:25

I am a whopper and have had 2 epidurals - one emergency during constant contractions, and one for elective CS. Weight was never mentioned as being a problem, and apart from the first one only numbing one side (so was re-done) everything was fine. Blooming wonderful things!

EenyMeenyMaya · 17/12/2010 07:40

I know pregnancy BMI's are pointless, but just to give you an idea, my BMI was 39 when I gave birth to DS1. I had an epidural no problem, no-one mentioned anything about weight. Warning - Epidurals wear off, much quicker than I expected!

I ended up having a EMCS and a spinal block, again they got it in no problem and although they asked my weight I got the impression that was for dose IYKWIM.

Original poster
CupcakesHay · 17/12/2010 18:05

Thanks for all your advice. Apparently he was saying that i had a fat back - not his words, mine - but he said it in polite terms! Thing is I haven't actually put any weight on since being pregnant - i've actually lost it, partly due to morning sickness - but also cos of healthier eating.

I'll just keep my fingers crossed - but thanks for making me feel a bit better :)

OP posts:
tlise · 17/12/2010 19:52

I have never had a problem with them working, or wearing off quickly and my bmi was about 42/43 I think when I had my youngest.

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