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Original poster

c-section-epidural..is it painful? terrified plz help!

17 replies

kyme · 09/06/2008 10:49

hi ladys i had a c-section with my daughter who is now almost 7,im due in 6weeks with baby number 2 and im having an elective c-section and am terrified of the epidural can someone plz enlighten me a bit although i had an emergency with my first i was in so much pain as it was and dont recall the spinal heeeelp!!!

OP posts:
sophiewd · 09/06/2008 10:51

For me the local was the worst bit, a small scratch and then felt nothing. Good luck, mine is next week.

talilac · 09/06/2008 10:52

Honestly its fine, they numb the skin first so its not painful at all going in.

Then you get all the drugs, so its not painful after that. I think its one of those things you think will be awful but really is fine..

Racers · 09/06/2008 10:54

Local worse for me too! Like strong pins and needles. Didn't feel epidural but it is stressful trying to keep still etc. I had my own CD on and it helped as I could concentrate on singing that to myself. Perhaps you could try same?
Good luck, I'm sure it will all be fine. Far better than emergency scenario in my experience.

Fanella · 09/06/2008 10:55

Mine certainly didn't hurt - the local was just a tiny scratch and then the spinal just felt like pressure, no pain whatsoever.

Good luck!

pollyblue · 09/06/2008 11:43

No, uncomfortable but not painful. It felt like someone was pressing firmly on my back with their thumb. Best of luck!

whiteorchid · 09/06/2008 14:41

No, not painful at all. The important bit is to remember to keep still. I was so busy chatting to the anaesthetist's assistant, I almost forgot they were doing it!

Try not to worry - it'll be fine.

herbgarden · 09/06/2008 20:41

I'm the worlds biggest baby and rubbish with pain - I had an emergency first time after failing to dilate after 12 hours of induction so had already had an epidural through the night - I then had a spinal block - It really was all fine although I put it down partially to being a bit out of it by then !! BUT....I don't recall much pain...and he was a gorgeous anaesthetist !

whomovedmychocolate · 09/06/2008 20:48

You remember last time - did you have any contractions at all - I can guarantee that the epidural hurts less than that!

Also because you can't see it, it doesn't hurt so much IYSWIM - I always think blood tests hurt so much because you can see the bloody great needle going in.

KatieMorag · 09/06/2008 20:51

same as whiteorchid. I just kept looking at my DH and concentrated on staying still

good luck

Original poster
kyme · 10/06/2008 03:09

look all of you have been awsome thank you all so much on your feedback it has really made me feel alot more relaxed about the 5weeks n 6days i have left!! now i dont have to stress about it i have had nightmares and everything over it!

yup i was having contractions when the spinal was been done last time due to that i dont recall the pain i guess thats why i was so scared this time as its elective!

thank you all

OP posts:
LeonieD · 10/06/2008 08:39

This reply has been deleted

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BibiThree · 10/06/2008 08:46

I've had both an epidural and spinal block (1st topped up epi for em c-section, 2nd elective) and there is no bigger baby than me. They coudn't find a space to put it in the second time I was shaking so much so I was sat on the bed chatting and being calmed down before they did it, had 3 locals before they found a space and they were the painful part, but not that bad tbh. The actual spinal was just like a thumb in my back - a little uncomfortable for a about 3 seconds then a lovely cooling feeling from your feet up.

The worst part for me was the drip being put in my hand as I didn't have a local for it, now THAT HURT!

Tell a theatre nurse you're nervous and ask her to stay with you, mine chatted to me, held my hand and distracted me, she was lovely.

Original poster
kyme · 10/06/2008 09:45

lol thankyou all for your help!!

still a bit scared bt use have helpd me

OP posts:
Alibobster · 11/06/2008 12:40

I swear I didn't feel the epidural and I have a very low pain threshold - I found the gas and air was brilliant and really helped

Knax · 11/06/2008 19:49

I remember spinal was wonderful as had been having contractions for ages so it took them away.
Kyme, I'm wondering how easy it was to get elective caesarian as had emerg one last time and just want to go for elective this time instead of VBAC. (Am in early pg so haven't seen mw yet.)

fifisworld · 11/06/2008 20:23

I didnt feel a thing for my elective cs, just a bit of pressure but certainly no pain.
Knax - I just asked for a elective after em cs with ds1, was given it with no problems just had to go to see consultant at about 34 weeks i think then they booked me in for cs at 39 weeks

Knax · 11/06/2008 20:57

thanks fifi thats good to know. i thought they'd try and make me vbac.
knax x

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