Epidurals

[CL1982]

Well, I reckon I have decided on a mobile epidural. Although I understand they're not terribly mobile!

For all those women who are on baby #2+ can you share your epidural experiences? Is there anything you'd do differently and are you going for another one. If not, why?

Might be helpful for other ladies out there as well :)

Bump-anyone?

I was adament I wasn't going to have an epi during my first pregnancy - not really sure why. I'd had an epidural before when I had an operation and when I came round from the anaesthetic I had no feeling or movement in my bottom half at all and I think the shock of that sensation put me off - I didn't realise an epi in labour was quite different.

My labour was (or at least felt) really long and active labour was about 15 hours. I had pethadin early on and that seemed to relax me and suddenly got me from 2cm to 5cm dialated. I then had gas and air and tens. Then when i was 7cm my waters broke and there was meconium so was rushed down to ward to be monitered I found this really difficult because i had to stay on the bed and then my contractions stopped and I was put on a drip and then finally caved to epi. It wasn't anything like i thought it would be. I was having a contraction while it went in so didn't notice it at all (i have no prob with needles anyway tho). I could still move my legs easily and feel the contractions coming strongly but without any pain whatsoever. The Dr had wanted me to have an epidural as she knew they'd prob have to intervene but my MW didnt tell me this as i said i didn't want an epi in my notes, which i was annoyed about as obviously the dr knows a lot more than me! My baby came about 30 mins later with a ventouse, I just felt pressure I think but again, no pain. I had an episiotomy so didnt feel that or stitches after. I thought the epidural was so fantastic I felt really stupid for not getting one earlier and going through such a long labour without. but on the other hand I was glad I felt the strong contractions because it is an increble, overwhelming experience. I'm 31 weeks preg with no. 2 earlier on in the pregnancy I was pretty set on getting an epidural and having as much oain relief as possible haha but now I've had a bit of a change of heart and got myself a hyonobirthing book/cd - i thought i might as well give that a try and see how far I can go but will keep more of an open mind this time about pain relief.

So really I would say do whatever feels right, you might find you cope well with the pain and can go without an epidural but I'm really glad I got one when I did last time.

Ive had appointment with anaesthetist regarding epi (as minor heart prob), she advised me that the best thing for me would be to give me epidural as soon as I hit 3-4cm.

She gave me a leaflet full of information on it and told me to visit a website called www.labourpains.com on there you can find all sorts of information on different types of pain relief! At first I was sceptical of having one although once researching I believe it's the best thing for me!

Have a read of the site hopefully will help you :) x

I had one. I was induced at 34 weeks with severe pre eclampsia and my blood pressure kept rising during labour because I found the drip painful. The epidural lowered my bp enough to have a natural delivery and it was so quick! It had to be resited as it didn't take, but once it worked I could feel pressure but no pain.

No 1. Epidural for BP reasons, I had preeclampsia and it was too dangerous not to. Didn’t actually get it till after I’d had the hormone drip so I was in excruciating pain for 3 hours first. The hormone drip distressed baby as it all went too quickly and I needed a ventouse.
No2. Back to back labour with a baby over 10lbs. I was desperate for it, (had it at 4cms) all very nice and calm and we turned it down for the pushing - but I needed a csection because baby was too big.

I honestly can’t see a problem with them at all, both of mine were heaven compared to labour pains. Neither of them contributed to further assistance, it would have happened anyway. No pain in my back after. No headaches. No effects what so ever except sweet sweet relief.

I would say when making your birth plan, be fully prepared to be flexible. The only thing I wanted was the epi but none of them worked. I really didn't want pethedine and in the end it was like a magical ride.

Thanks everyone! That is so helpful :)
Mid you think it's worth outing in the birth plan that if an epi doesn't work I'm happy to accept other forms of pain relief?

Urgh sorry. 'Do you think that it is worth' was what I was trying to say!!!