Epidural experiences please

[Jesskir89]

I'm 38 plus 2 today and my mind is in overdrive, I've got a sweep Thursday and if it fails will be induced on my due date as I've got GD. I've put in my birth plan no epidural as I've heard you're more at risk of needing a c section but after watching OBEM I'm wondering am I being daft? Any experiences you're willing to share please? Thanks

@Jesskir89 am interested to know whether you've had your baby yet and whether you went for an epidural in the end?

I'm currently weighing up whether I choose labour ward (easy access to the epidural) or go for the midwife lead unit.

Hey ladies
Please can you let me know if the epidural made you vomit? Is it the same feeling as a spinal in c section? Do they give you anti sickness drugs too?

Stupidly I’m scared of throwing up so that’s my focus

They're bloody brilliant, have one if you want one op.

I had an epidural after a long induction, and I was glad of it! I'd had diamorphine beforehand and I didn't feel a thing when they did it. It let me sleep which meant I had much more energy when it came to the pushing stage. When I woke for the pushing stage it had worn off quite a bit so I had some sensation which really helped when pushing. I was always open to any pain relief options as I didn't know how I'd fair, and I'd have one again if I needed it. X

@JDK1982 I didn't vomit and I didn't feel sick at all from the epidural. The diamorphine came with another injection of anti sickness drugs. If you feel sick they can give you something for it. X

I always said I don't want an epidural. I ended up having one as I was in sooo much pain (was induced at 38+3) and was literally the best thing ever... Honestly couldn't feel any contractions!! Unfortunately I did have an emergency c section but it wasn't anything to do with the epidural, it was because my daughter was showing signs of distress.
Good luck!! And what you decide now could be completely different when in labour, I think the best thing is to keep an open mind.

@JDK1982 I was sick at one point but I blame it on the energy bars my DH was feeding me (!), they gave me anti sickness drugs and then topped up when I had the epidural

I didn’t have one first time but then had a spinal block for placenta removal and I thought “ bloody hell, I really should have had one of these earlier”
With no 2 I was adamant I was having one and it was lovely. As soon as my contractions ramped up ( was induced) they popped it on and then I had a lovely relaxing time chatting with DH and even playing Trivial Pursuits on his phone. Pushed twice and DS arrived.
I had a shower a couple of hours later and then went home 6 hours after giving birth.
I know they aren’t risk free but it was one of the best decisions I ever made

I think it depends on your labour and the experience you want from it . There is no better or right or wrong way to labour .

My personal experience was , like you , I did not want an epidural. I was trying to keep an open mind though .

Early labour was torture ( lasted a day and a half solid )and I started thinking I might get an epidural after all. I asked for pethidine first and I had a great experience on it . It definitely took the edge off . When that wore off I got another shot . It was great.

They had me on the hormone drip and recommended an epidural but I didn’t want one in the end , even though earlier in the labour I said I did . Labour hurt but it was manageable. I also felt like the pethidine gave me the energy to push through to the end . My waters broke before labour started so I never experienced that during labour .

Basically go in with an open mind .

My sister gave birth with no pain relief ( twice) but with her third labour she said the pain was at a completely different level and she needed the epidural. She loved it !! And she was sooooo against them .

I’ll definitely consider an epidural for my current pregnancy. If I feel like I need it, I’ll get one . If I feel like the pain in manageable then I likely won’t .

I was induced at 38 weeks and when they broke my waters, it all got very intense and I was throwing up a lot. I had an epidural at 3cm, slept for 4 hours and woke up fully dilated. They then reduced the dose for the pushing part so I had mild cramps and could feel when to push and tjay only took an hour. Basically what I'm saying is that an epidural is MEGA and I absolutely loved it. I have a friend who is an OBGYN consultant and she just had a baby and always planned an epidural - labour hurts, epidurals help and you don't get any prizes for not having one!

Although obviously each to their own and some women don't need one. I wouldn't rule it out though - the relief is quite sensational! X

Bad experience for me sorry OP. Three failed attempts with first birth and a dural puncture. Had slight numbing on one side for 10 minutes and then no positive effects. Had to stay in for 3 days but we were readmitted after discharge for 2 weeks anyway.

Second birth it just didn't work despite the anaesthetist saying he was 100% confident it would work if I needed one.

I think there is something wrong with me though

@EL1984 sorry for the late response. Had baby on 13th March by emergency c section. I was induced and on the drip I went from 4cm to 10cm within an hour, the pain was so intense I had to opt for the epidural and I must admit I wish I had opted for it sooner. I had a c section as baby was back to back but with the epidural I went from being sick I was in so much pain to completely relaxed. I would recommend it any day. Good luck ladies x

@BammBammsorry to hear you had a bad experience :(