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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Were you given an epidural?

44 replies

sarahb083 · 28/08/2020 12:39

I've heard lots of stories of women being denied an epidural and I'm really worried it will happen to me. I'm not sure how common this issue is - if you've given birth before and asked for an epidural, were you given one? Do you have any tips to make sure you do get one?

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jessstan2 · 28/08/2020 12:42

No, when I gave birth epidurals were still fairly new and a specialist anaesthetic was required. i didn't want one anyway so didn't affect me but it must be disappointing for those who really do want an epidural and cannot have one.

EssElsiee · 28/08/2020 12:44

Yep I wanted one and was given within half an hour before I went on the drip x

Bert2020 · 28/08/2020 12:46

With both of my children I asked and had an anaesthetist quickly within 20-30 minutes both times, the 2nd took 3 attempts to site correctly so that took time but had gas throughout. With the 2nd I did say if I had the drip I would be having the epidural so they knew ahead of time. As it turned out I caved beforehand anyhow as the gas was not pleasant.

Hoppinggreen · 28/08/2020 12:49

Yes and I loved it
The MW did try “oh I’m sure you can manage without “ so I just asked if she was refusing my request and if so could I have it noted .
Soon got one

gonewiththerain · 28/08/2020 12:53

The first time I got one very quickly before the drip. It was good I did as they then just topped it up for my c section.
The second time I didn’t ask until it was really late and I was pushing. It was too late by then.

JoysOfString · 28/08/2020 12:54

Ooh good for you HG.

I was offered one before too long because I was "mooing" kind of making a bellowing noise because of the pain, but was not anywhere near fully dilated, and I think that made them take my pain seriously. No suggesting you have to moo! but if they try to refuse, don't give up, make it very clear that you are in severe pain and need it.

Of course you might not have that kind of pain and might not need it! But if you do, be firm. Also instruct your birth partner to insist on your behalf if you aren't able to make yourself clear.

taranaki · 28/08/2020 12:54

Yes for first child because i needed a c-section. No for second child despite asking for the epidural the second i got to hospital and on repeat for hours until i was told it was too late. Even though i think i was let down by the hospital and would have been within my rights to complain - I'm also pleased i birthed without the epidural because it was so intense and primal that looking back I'm really proud of myself.

sunrainwind · 28/08/2020 12:55

I had one with my first but it was about 2 hours after asking as the anaesthetist was in theatre.

DontBeShelfish · 28/08/2020 12:58

I elected to have a caesarean so had an epidural. Have to say it was a bit of a trial - it took several goes for them to get it into my spine!

Milicentbystander72 · 28/08/2020 12:59

I asked for one with my first and got one within an hour (very long and difficult labour).

With my second I would have asked for one but Labour was so quick there would have been no way!

The only time I've ever heard of women being denied one is when there is no A available to administer it or Labour is developing just too quickly.

UserFriendly14 · 28/08/2020 13:00

I think the key is to ask early. I was one who was denied but only because I had asked during transitioning so there wasn’t any time/point to it. As PP said, I was actually really proud that I did it without one

ellenpartridge · 28/08/2020 13:01

Yes I was. I had an induction and was given the epidural before my waters were broken and the drip started. This was recommended by my consultant and she was great. Good luck.

Spied · 28/08/2020 13:01

Make sure you've told your midwife and that it's in your notes. Then tell them again as soon as you get to the ward that your plan for pain relief is epidural.

BeingATwatItsABingThing · 28/08/2020 13:04

I asked for one but I had to wait for it. This was because a better anaesthetist was coming on shift soon and my midwife wanted me to wait for him. My midwife was a family friend so she had my best interests in mind.

Twizbe · 28/08/2020 13:10

Epidurals need to be given by an anesthetist and take a while to work.

This means that should the anesthetist be in theatre or dealing with an emergency you might have to wait.

If you're in transition, you won't have time for it to work or be able to sit still for it so they might not give it to you then.

In most cases if you want it, you can have it

User27aw · 28/08/2020 13:16

I asked for one in all 3 of my births but never got one as it was "too late" everytime. still annoyed about it.

Dogsgowoofwoof · 28/08/2020 13:17

I was actively recommended to have one by a lovely mw as I was going on the drip. I refused at that point, but once I reached 7 hours on the drip I asked for one and had one in quickly. No problem.

mintich · 28/08/2020 13:18

I did but I was induced so the midwife suggested I have it done when the drip was put in. There was no argument from me!

TJ17 · 28/08/2020 13:24

I suppose it depends how far along you are in labour.

My first was very slow. When I asked for one, the mw didn't argue at all. I had to wait a while as obviously people who are having CS and EMCS are priority so you get put on a waiting list and by the time it's your turn you could well be too far along for it to be worth it (takes a while to kick in)

I'd make it clear from the beginning that you want one if it's what you want.

BlusteryShowers · 28/08/2020 13:25

Had one with my first and loved it. Swore I'd have one again.

Second time the baby was in an awkward position so I needed to be on my side to help her turn and had pethidine. I then went from 5cm to 9 really quickly, so there was apparently no time for the epidural. I don't know if that was really the case or if I was cajoled.

AvoidingRealHumans · 28/08/2020 13:29

Nope. Was denied any pain relief, even though I had asked for an epidural with my 1st as I got there too late apparently (after being sent home 2 hours previous as wasn't in labour enough).
With my 2nd I was in a birth center so no epidural available but asked for what they could give and was put off and then told its too late.
I really did feel like they do that on purpose.

SockQueen · 28/08/2020 13:52

Didn't want one first time, progressed smoothly and managed with just Entonox. Second induction was a bit more stop-start and I was knackered, so got an epidural before starting the syntocinon drip. No waiting at all.

BUT I'm an anaesthetist so it's very unlikely they would have refused me once I asked! Have also been the one on the other end with women waiting hours for me, and I hate it, will always try to get someone else in to help if possible, but it is sometimes just too busy.

patchysmum · 28/08/2020 14:18

I had one when they were quite new but it did not work,my contractions were above the numbed area was so disappointed as I don't cope with pain very well and my baby was back to back and born face up.There was a funny moment as he was been born,the room was full of students and they all suddenly started laughing! I was wondering what I has given brt to but the doctor was using some cream and the lid came off so there was cream all over babies face

Trailing1 · 28/08/2020 14:34

I had to beg and plead for one. Still pisses me off thinking about it now, many years later.

DaffodilThatch · 28/08/2020 14:42

Sorry haven't read all of the responses but I had epidurals for both of my labours... eventually. I had extremely long early stages with both and had to wait until I was in active labour (this was more than 30 hours of contractions with nothing). My advice would be if you want an epidural, say it to your midwife, make sure she pits is on your notes very clearly. Make it very clear to the midwife when you go to the hospital.

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