Epidurals?

Question

I figured I would see what everyone's thoughts were... I know that I want one, but I'm a little nervous for the procedure (I posted another thread earlier about how I'm extremely needle-phobic). How do epidurals work? Are they a one-time injection or is it a needle that stays in your back for the duration of your labor? Are they painful going in?  Thanks for your help!

Answer

I was having a contraction when I was given my epidural and I didn't feel it in the least. I am deathly afraid of needles and getting my blood drawn. I can honestly say the worst part of my labor was my IV they inserted in my wrist! Lol

Answer

They will inject lidocaine into the area where they are sticking. Not gonna lie it stings pretty bad then they will use the other needle to insert the epidural. You won't feel that at all. Once they get it in the right spot they remove the needle and all that's left is the tubing. Like with an IV. I'm a needle phobic too but I got epidurals with both my children and they were a Godsend!!

Answer

Personally, I wouldn't watch a you tube video of it if you are already scared of needles. They have you sit up (on the middle of labor) and sit on the side of your bed. They will numb your back a little, but you will still feel it. I choose not to look at any of the supplies. They inject into your spine. You have to sit very still. They just do it once and it is done. It must stay in you though because they can increase and decrease the level of meds going in. Once you get the epidural though, you have to stay in bed.

I had it with both of my first two but I'm not sure this time. My first labor was induced so it was already more painful. The epidural helped a ton and I took a nap in the middle of labor. With my second, I had placental abruption landing me in the OR. I was in pain despite the epidural and it wasn't strong enough , even with doubling the dose, so they had to put me under to do the c-section.

Answer

I didn't look for mine and was ok but I'm not afraid of needles usually. Mine hurt but the contractions already hurt too so it was all just part of it. I know that doesn't help much.

Answer

You can YouTube epidural procedure and watch how they do it.

Epidurals?

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey