Pain relief

[needsomesunshineandwine]

What pain relief did you take or opting to take?

This is my 3rd baby and I'm into the single figures now, the thought of labour is terrifying me, really bad. I have no idea why, last labours were bearable and managed on gas and air no major tears and quite quick.

I'm really nervous at the thought of epidural, has anyone had pethidine, did it help reduce pain or can you opt to be put asleep for section?

Hi OP, I had pethidine with my first DC and will not be using it again this time (due in 19 days....and counting haha). I found it made me feel so whacked and out of it but the pain was still there!! I used the gas too, that was probably more helpful. No experience with epidurals, although I have friends that swear by them. I'm a bit terrified too tbh, my first wasn't that great was induced and the pain was horrendous. But I had a short labour, hoping this time is short and naturally starting! Good luck :)

Bit like mine, was not too long but the pain was constant and very intense. Never felt this anxious or scared about it before.

Think once it actually starts you just go with it, think I'm worrying as it's a waiting game and I know what's coming, haha.

Good luck to you too, hopefully you go yourself 🙂

Tens machine and paracetamol from 0-8cm (48hrs ), then tens and gas and air from 8-10cm (12 hours inc synto drip), then spinal for section. Tens was helpful, and it gave me something to do!

The spinal was amazing! If I was going to try natural labour again, I'd ask for an early epidural.
Keep an open mind - sounds like you've coped well before but you have lots of options.

Do you have to hire tens machine.

It's the pushing stage that's terrifying me this time round. Keep worrying baby is going to be on the bigger side.

Just going to keep an open mind and take what is needed when needed. 😰😰

@needsomesunshineandwine - yes I'm pretty scared too. Not sure why, I've been so eager for it to be over, now I'm not so sure!?!
I suppose it will be what it is. I also feel anxious to where my husband will be, where my other kids are at the time etc etc heading into labour. It's probably all normal. We will be fine, all the best x

Last time I used gas and air (brilliant stuff but doesn't actually help much with the pain but makes everything a laugh), then tried water blisters which hurt worse being put in that the contractions themselves and then had a para-cervical block which maybe eased some of the pain but had worn off by the time I was pushing so didn't help with the ring of fire or anything like that.

This time I think I'll opt for an epidural as I still vividly remember the pain from last time and don't fancy going through that again.

@Sasmac2017 I'm not stressing too much for that, I have been late both times and induced with 2nd. I fully expect this to happen again, ha. Hopefully he proves me wrong and arrives on due date or just after.

Will all be worth it and a pain that goes very quickly. Good luck 😁