Anaesthetic appointment - Early Epidural

[Sunshine8920]

Soooo just come home from my anaesthetics appointment with the news that I'm not to have my water birth as hoped but to have an early epidural.

Bit gutted, has anyone else had or is having this?

I’ve got to have an early epidural when I’m induced at 38 weeks in a couple of weeks, due to a preexisting disease

I had a failed epidural with dc1 no obvious reason for the failure so they suggested an early one this time. Unfortunately it partially failed again. (They think it’s been an anatomical problem for the failure though).
The early epidural was a much better procedure than the one after a good few hours of labour.

Had an early epidural at the induction process due to high blood pressure and a side effect of an epidural is that it lowers your blood pressure. I had the plan of water birth etc but to be honest at the time I didn’t care I just wanted baby out, I had the epidural in for 2 full days ( induction didn’t work) then was able to go straight in for emergency section. Would easily take the option again if offered, the noises I heard from all around me in the delivery area really scared me!!

I'm being offered an early epidural too and am really on the fence. I worry it will reduce my chances of an unassisted delivery ao would be very interested to hear other's experiences

Did they explain why? Just interested as I have an anaesthetic appointment soon and I was hoping for a water birth.

I had anaesthetist apt yesterday for them to check if epidural possible in emergency due to previous back problems. Seeing a back guy next week. Then decision to be made if back too fragile for prolonged pushing in which case either epidural or ELCS.
Hadn't considered epidural for pain relief before as worried that it is harder to have baby / increased chance of forceps delivery.

Gigitree I was told that I can't have the water birth because I wouldn't feel my legs so it's unsafe. I was also told that I was to have this early epidural so that when the time comes to push I'm not exhausted already, I have a heart condition and history of blood clots also anxiety so they want me to have as much energy to then have a natural birth.

Thanks @Sunshine8920 ok it makes sense then why they’d want you to have the epidural early!

@Sunshine8920 they are treating me like I have a heart condition as they don’t have anything else to compare it too! Joys of being rare.

We’ve been told that they will give a time limit for pushing and if after that time he isn’t imminent, or if either of us shows signs of distress as we will both be constantly monitored, then it’ll be a choice between instrumental and c-section depending on where baby is and how baby is coping - another reason they want an epidural in place as they can take you straight round to get it done whatever the decision.

Initially I was a little upset about the epidural (I knew I wouldn’t be allowed water because of my condition - I can’t take baths or swim - so that wasn’t an issue in my case), but having talked it through with my midwife and obstetrics consultant, I understand the reasoning and will go ahead with it. I’ve also heard it’s much better to have it popped in when I’m fairly calm and comfortable and not writhing in agony as decided I can’t cope!

@keyboard91
Thanks for your reply.
Yes I can see how it makes sense to get it in early. I think it was just the fact I'd always assumed it would happen one way not another.
Sorry you can't take baths or swim, is that something that's always been the case?
When are you due? xx