Terrified of not getting pain relief in time

[Lagirl20]

My last labour was fast for a first time mom (3cm to fully dilated in three hours). The pain was excruciatingly torturous, back to back rolling contractions, and no one at the delivery unit believed me when I said how much pain I was in. They also said they couldn’t check me again for dilation progess before four hours had elapsed since my last vaginal check - so no one actually knew how quickly I was dilating. I was dismissed as being dramatic and having hours more to go. No pain relief beyond paracetamol and gas&air which was useless

This time around I’ve been told that my labour is likely to be even shorter. I have no idea if I’ll be able to get to the hospital in time. I’m desperate for an epidural but worried I’ll be refused and not believed again. What can I do to ensure I get adequate pain relief and that I am listened to?

I would speak to your midwife and get a robust plan in place. Or possibly ask to see the consultant as your worried about risk to you and the baby.

They should put a detailed plan place if your history is a quick labour. I completely understand your concerns, but the best thing about it being the second time round, is having the confidence to demand extra support.

Hi there it's a labour ward midwife. I am sorry to hear about your experience. You had what we call a precipitous labour. They are rare but do sometimes happen and often take everyone by surprise. I suggest you go and see a Consultant midwife and have a plan for an early epidural written into your notes. It would just make it more likely people would pay attention. Alternatively if everything is low risk would you consider a home birth if it's offered in your area? Second labours tend to be less painful and go smoother compared to first labours. Outcomes are actually better for mums and babies due to lower rates of interventions. If everything is low risk, there are no additional risks for the mum and a baby compared to a hospital birth. You would be able to hire a pool which often makes a big difference. I hope it helps

Sounds exactly like my labour! I think my family must have thought I was exaggerating when I said there wasn't a break between contractions but it was one after the other, as it ended it started to build again. Couldn't get an epidural fast enough either. I've also been told the same as you, chances are the next will be even faster and so to prepare for the chance of a home birth or if I make it in time to the hospital it's probable an epidural may not have kicked in before needing to push anyway as it takes around 30 minutes to have an effect.

You can ask next time to have your notes reflect the need for an early epidural but one thing to consider is if an anaesthetist isn't available then unfortunately they can't administer the epidural. If they're in surgery you'd have to wait so you'll need to weigh up the fact that it's possible you'd be doing it on gas and air alone again. I'm sure you'll be weighing your options just as I am!

My 1st labour was quick (went from 3-4cm to fully in an hour after my waters broke, pushing took over an hour) but my second labour was actually longer. I think 6 or 7 hours. The contractions were so much more manageable, I only needed gas and air right at the very end in transition. If I knew labour was going to be like that one every time I'd do it again in a heartbeat! With my first I actually kept wishing I would die the pain was that intense.

I would discuss this with your midwife to help you make a plan

How many weeks are you? I had an anaesthetist call me at 28 weeks and ask if I wanted an epidural, to which I said no but now I may have to have c section so will need it. Currently 34+2.
He also asked about what other pain relief I’ve thought I’d like