How early in labor can you get an epidural?

Question

I read you have to be about 4 cm dilated? Is that true? I am already 3.

I am going to try to wait as long as I can if I get induced. I am getting induced next week and was curious.

Answer

I've had an epidural at different stages of inductions. I've been induced four times. Depending how long it is taking I get it so I can rest. It is true that most doctors won't give it until 4cm and in an active contraction pattern. My inductions have ranged between 18-47 hours.

Answer

My doctor said she's doesn't mind giving an epidural early around 4cm or sooner if contractions are hitting hard. I'm so happy to hear this, 5 years ago with my first I had to basically beg for one and I was over  4cm...could depend on the doctor and their views.

Answer

Some people would say 4cm as that's what is commonly considered active labour, however is not always the case. I'd been in labour for about 24hrs when I got my epidural but I never dialated past 3cm.

Answer

I was induced last Thursday but had 24 hours of cervidil prior to 18 hours of Pitocin that still resulted in a failed induction with an emergency c-section for fetal intolerance.  I would say that the pain from the cervidil and beginning of Pitocin was manageable with breathing and if needed a pain med like Nubain. Contractions after they broke my water was so hard to breath through and I was vomiting and praying my epidural was coming soon ( 30 min wait seemed to take forever). Everyone is different but if you are planning on getting an epidural get it before you can't handle the pain and definitely before they break your water.

Answer

You can have an epidural at any point in labour, but most women choose to have an epidural when their contractions are getting pretty strong, which is often when their cervix has dilated by about 5cm or 6cm.

Answer

Try other pain management first if you can. You won't be able to be mobile once you have the epidural. But if it's just unbearable just ask for the epi

How early in labor can you get an epidural?

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