Did you have an epidural? Please tell me your experience

[andanotherproblem]

I’m currently pregnant and thinking about my birth. I have a DD who I gave birth to naturally, my labour was relatively quick, no complications and dilated quickly, the contraction I found unbearable, I requested an epidural, they said no it’s too early so had pethadine instead, I found this didn’t help with pain, just made me zombie like and made me unable to control my breathing or reactions or anything. This time I want to demand an epidural, my midwife said I can have one as soon as I go into labour, obviously depending on availability of the anaesthetist.

if you had an epidural, would you recommend one, what do you wish you had of known?

I wish I hadn’t had one.

I was induced. So was having 4 contractions in 10 minutes pretty much straight away. I went 5 hours with no pain relief. I then asked for diamorphine (I didn’t want pethadin) (sorry if spelt wrong) 6 hours after I felt like I needed more so asked for an epidural. Because of how my daughter was laid I was only numb on one half. If I laid on my right it went down where she was but then my left felt all the pain!! Although I didn’t give birth for another 14 hours if I knew I wouldn’t have had it. I still had to have a spinal block as she wasn’t coming out.

I had awful back pain for months after and I still suffer now nearly 3 years later.

I had to beg and wait for hours and hours to have one with my first, by which time I was an exhausted mess. Second time around I had one as early as I could (I was being induced) and it was great! I laboured with no pain, had a nap and when I woke up I was 10cm and ready to push! I felt so energised and present for the birth itself. Unlike first time around where everything was an exhausted blur.

Absolutely, and I’d do it all again.
They knew I wanted one from the outset, took me along while quiet, no stress, very controlled.
I can’t comprehend why, based on the hysterical noises from the room next door, anyone wouldn’t want one.

24hr long labour with my first and I hadn’t figured out how to move the Tens machine to the next level so really struggled with the pain. I did have an epidural. It slowed the process down but took all the pain away - flipping brilliant! It wore off round about the time to push, so worked well.

Second baby - I read the Tens machine instructions properly! It was great & really helped me cope with the pain. I’d definitely recommend it. But, it was only a 3hr labour this time (I ended up giving birth at home.)

I also had a tens machine 2nd time round. First was too early and tens was waiting for me when I came home with baby.

I feel like I had mine too late (dr went to do procedure but an emergency came in so I was given over an hour later) felt the whole birth but as I delivered placenta after I was numb didn’t feel anything. However it wore of quickly and then felt the pain of being stitched up after a 3rd degree tear… and the removal of a catheter too…

I had one with my first after being in labour for 10 hours and only dilating about a cm. He was sunny side up, big head. They said they were going to put me on that drip to make contractions stronger so I then asked for one. When I got put on it, it completely saved the birth. I calmed down, baby calmed down and also turned around. I also then started dilating much better. I could still feel contractions but no pain. I could push him out easily and was able to move fairly quickly afterwards. However, I did have pain in my back at the site of injection for over a year after. Because of this I decided not to have one with my 2nd. It was much quicker and I wouldn't even of had the chance for an epidural luckily. (I did panic and ask for one but she was already crowning and no one knew so too late). Gas and air. Honestly both went exactly how they were meant to.

Be prepared to fight for one! I asked for one with my second birth but they said I couldn’t have one until I was on labour ward, and I couldn’t go to labour ward until 4cm (I was only 2cm on arrival so was stuck in triage - no room on the day ward).

Anyway, by the time I finally reached 4cm it was too late because I gave birth 26 minutes later (only just making it into labour ward).

If you dilated fast last time it might be quicker this time. If you know you want one, get your consultant to note that you can have one on arrival.

With my first baby any pain relief was making me sick, I was having a back labour and the baby was in a little distress so they gave me the hormone drip to speed things along as they didn't want to hang about too much but didn't feel an emergency c section was called for yet. So a painful intense labour, they offered me an epidural and I was astonished as I was told they never do that and said I felt I could keep going, they then spoke to my husband who then said to me he really felt I should have it so I went for it. Amazing. Transformative. It was clear they were watching me closely prepping me for surgery and they did call it rushed me to theatre but I was fully dilated and they gave me one chance to push with forceps and I delivered. My second baby I requested an epidural the minute I was booked in!!! Had a wonderful calm, joyful beautiful birth. I still spewed everywhere the minute he was born, but you can't have it all 🤣

Same here.