Unable to Have Epidural? Is this a problem?

[Lulabel27]

Hi All
I've just had my first midwife appointment (I'm 10+3 with first pregnancy) and she's said because I've had 3 vertebrae fused in my neck with titanium plates and had the disks removed that it will mean I probably can't have an epidural. Got to meet anaethetist to discuss options in September.

Has anyone else been told similar? What are the implications of not having an epidural? I'm sure thousands of women a day give birth without one I just wondered what this means for pain control etc?

Thank you!

"probably can't" - doesn't sound like your MW know's what she's talking about TBH, hope the doc is a bit more informative

I would imagine the main implication would be if you needed a CS as it would have to be under a GA, so you wouldn't have the option of being awake perhaps?

With DD it was all to quick and I didn't even get to use gas and air.
However there was a placenta issue after that took me to theatre which meant me having spinal. I have spoken to consultant and been told (as being awake for procedure has left me petrified) that if it happens again I can have GA.
As far as I know there are other options for pain relief so you should be okay.

Congratulations on your pregnancy.

Lulabel, you need to to speak to a consultant about this. Can your MW refer you? Or can you get your GP to do so?

Obviously, in terms of pain relief, it has implications for you. But more to the point, you will probably want to find out what this would mean if you had to have a ventous/forceps delivery (which are often carried out under epidural), or a c-section (would you need a GA?). It's really important that you are clear about this so you can consider your options and prepare for likely scenarios. A vague answer from your MW isn't enough.

It is early days in your pregnancy, though, so at least you have plenty of time to get the answers you need. Good luck.

I was told I couldn't have an epidural because of low platelets. It's not great but it means that you go into labour knowing that it simply isn't an option for you. I found out what my other options were and just focussed on those. At the end of the day, there's little you can do about it so in the moment you just get on with it. Good luck; I know it doesn't feel great because you already feel as if a little bit of the control has been taken away from you but research your options and you will be ok.

Sorry my post was ill informed, I didn't think about the c-section aspect.

Hi All
Thanks for your messages!
Salbysea - it did sound like the midwife was speculating and has said she'd like me to meet the anaesthetist to be sure so at this time I suppose it is all a bit unknown and I'll know more in September which means I have plenty of time.

I never thought about c-section and the implications for GA but as Blameitonthebogey and ReasonableDoubt says as long as I'm (and the health professionals) are prepared then i suppose it'll all be ok!

Thank you!

I had an epidural with my first,but left it too late for no2,and found i managed just fine with gas and air and some pethedine,so i just had the same for number 3 and 4.

good luck.x

I have the same situation i.e. titanium plates, vertebrae fused, in my case the 10-12 thoracic ones. The MWs were clueless.

I was adamant on having an epidural. The hospital I was booked into, Queen Charlottes, has top research and medical personnel (Imperial college etc). Made an appointment with the head anesthetist who looked at x-rays of my post-op back. And she thought they could def do an epidural, but I had to keep the x-ray and operation notes in my maternity folder for reference during the birth.

Of course, as luck would have it (or as MWs prefer it) the labour progressed so rapidly that there was no time for an epidural. You know there is a very short window between being 4cm dilated and 10cm dilated when you can have an epidural. In general, babies don't hang around for the anesthetist .

What I wish I'd done is gone to some hypnobirthing or relaxation classes so I could have slowed the pace of things enough to have an epidural. You still have the time to join such classes.

Try to see the head anesthetist. See if you can get referred to a specialist/better staffed hospital.

Try hypnobirthing/ natal hypnotherapy?

Different circumstances completely but I was booked in for a home birth so wasn't able to have an epidural. Found the hypnobirthing course brilliant.

Also read Janet Balaskas 'Waterbirth'- just read it whilst pg with DS2. Not for the waterbirth bit (although I find that very appealing) but because it gives a good description of what being in labour is like and there are loads of tips on managing pain without epdidural.

Plus there's always Gas & Air which I found fantastic and pethidine/other types of analgesia.

The main thing is, CS/ other surgical necessities aside, you have some coping techniques and confidence in yourself and the whole process of giving birth. A good birth partner (ie mum/ sister/ friend/ doula) as well as DP can make a lot of difference too.

Good luck!