Epidural

[Susieloo]

I'm due to have a section in about five weeks today and for some reason today started freaking out about the epidural and how painful it might be. So how painful is it, do they do anything to numb the injection site before they do it? Is it worse than a normal injection because of where it is? Any info gratefully received!!

Don't worry it's not that bad. Yes it's painful but only briefly and they tell uou exactly what they're doing and to stay still. I wouldn't worry about this bit at all. Focus on the baby you're going to have!

They gave me a little local jab first. But I was in the throes of labour do I would have quite happily let them put an axe in my head at the time! But think the local should take some of the sting off.

I had an emergency c section and they numbed my back first before putting the needle in, it was uncomfortable but once it was in it was fine.

I was absolutely shit scared of having it done (but had no choice) and was so scared I couldn't stop shaking, and had to get a nurse to hold my legs together to help stop me shaking as i was worried it would go in wrong. :)

They may do the section with a spinal and that's a tiny needle by comparison. I had gas and air when they were putting it in to make me stoned calm me down. I swear the theatre grade stuff is stronger

Having the epidural was the best feeling ever! Yes forgot they gave me gas n air too. Chances are you won't even notice op. try not to worry too much. Im a total wuss with needles but it was fine.

It really was fine. I had one shortly before emergency C and it was sone very calmly, quickly and with minimal pain. I really can't remember if I had a local or not but it worked really quickly.

Try not to panic. I know that's easier said than done but I'm expecting DC2 and will definitely ask for another one this time round.

*done

Thank you everyone, I'll ask about gas and air at my next appointment at the hospital because I really like the idea of something to take the edge off the discomfort and nerves!!

I don't even remember it hurting, i do remember saying to the anesthetist "thank you, thank you, you're a lovely man, a very lovely man" as it started to work

I was practically humping his leg. Best feeling ever!

I'll second all of the above, I've had two and the relief was Near orgasmic
Both times. It's just a sharp scratch for the local in your back and then you don't feel anything really

I don't even remember it, so it can't have been bad. Although I would have also leg humped in gratitude.

I didn't feel a single thing! Can't remember anything about it. Felt lush once it took effect though

I was petrified of epidurals after watching someone have one on OBEM. I thought no freekin way. I had one (ok I was in labour at the time) but it wasn't that bad. They were done in minutes. And if I remember they numb it off first. The worst bit was having an electric shock feeling down one leg but that lasted seconds

who exactly the same
I thought that even if I get paralysed it's all worthy it!
Also I think epidural saved my marriage as I was so annoyed with my husband during the contractions/pain.

The worst bit about the epidural for me was when the Anneeethsadist (I did that on purpose cos I can't spell it BTW LOL) squirted me with that really cold numbing spray and I jumped out of my skin. Needles (hahahaha) to say I didn't notice when the big needle went in and I hate needles.

you've got nothing to worry about - and I'm starting to sound like my dad with those bad jokes!!!

I had an epidural with dd.

I had a massive needle phobia and worried about the epidural from about 4 months onwards.

I can honestly, hand on heart, say that I completely wasted 5 months worrying for nothing :)

There was a short sharp scratch when the local anesthetic went in, and that was it. Nothing else. Nothing at all.

I understand your nervousness because I was the same, but its a breeze. On a scale of 1 to 10, I was expecting an 85! In reality, I would say it was a 2 :)

Thank you so much for the reassurance, I'm feeling a lot more relaxed about it now, the thought of it was starting to really freak me out!

Its your best friend Susie, worship the epidural, when the man comes grab his legs and don't ever let go!

Good luck you will be fine.

You have to sit really still and face away, just shut your eyes and it will be over in a second. And this is from me I am a MASSIVE GIRL with needles.

yes, I confirm, had one with first labour and didn't feel a thing, although have always hated needles. I was very surprised considering the size of the thing..... but I felt NOTHING. don't worry!