Epidural

[jennaxc]

I am currently 35 weeks with baby number 1 and going to be induced at 38 weeks.

I have an appointment with my consultant in a few days. I am trying my best to prepare as we are going to go through my birth plan.

I have been looking into epidurals and I'm not sure if I am getting confused or not, I can't seem to find an answer.

I thought an epidural was a needle where you get the drugs in one hit and you are numb from the waist down. But.. I have read about another kind where they can top up the drugs as you go and you are mobile rather than numb. Have I got this right? Has anyone had one of these before? I think it's called a combined spinal epidural

Go to the obstetric anaesthetic association website and go to information for mothers.

Hi there.
I had my baby last week and had an epidural. It's a tube fitted into your spine attached to the medication and is topped up as required. I had no labour pains and could still feel my legs, and although I did remain on the bed, I think I could have stated mobile.
As comparison, I had an elective section 3 years ago and had a spinal block. That's one injection into the nerves and you go completely numb.... no feeling at all below the waist.
Interesringly, I had an epidural for another child 13yrs ago, and that bade me completely numb, so obviously things have changed inbtgat time.
Hope that helps. X

one hit & numb - spinal. used for C-sections

top up type - epidural.

mmmmmm, love me some epidural!
had it with 5 out of 7.
DS3 shot out of me, there was no time for a cuppa
DS4 was ELSC