Fear of catheters?

Question

Okay.. So I know I want an epidural during labor. What I didn't know is that I'll have to get a catheter. I seriously have an abnormal fear of catheters. I'm afraid they're going to hurt. Can anyone tell me your catheter experience? I'm freaking out a little!

Answer

They insert the catheter after the epidural and remove it before you push. I hated the thought too and was more afraid of that than the epidural. I didn't feel a thing during the insertion or removal because you're completely numb.

Answer

Just have them put it in after you're numb. .. having it in there after you're not numb is annoying but it doesn't necessarily hurt, and it doesn't hurt when they take it out, more of a relief feeling..... but I'm totally with you, if they try to put one in before I'm numbed up I'll throw the biggest fit they've ever seen!!! Remember you are paying them!!!! They are there for you!!! So with that in mind they are to do things to make you as comfortable as possible... as long as it is medically safe, of course:-)

Answer

I'm a nurse so I have placed 100's and I have had several of my own. It doesn't hurt going in. You will just feel pressure and then a sensation of really having to pee until the catheter gets to the bladder. When they take it out it just feels like you are peeing. I have never had one be painful. And I haven't had a female patient complain either. I even have patients that walk around with theirs in.

It seems scary and like it would hurt but it's more of an awkward feeling if anything

Answer

You won't be able to feel it :)

Answer

It's annoying but will be the least of your concern during labor!

Answer

I had kidney issues growing up and am going to avoid an epidural, in part because of the catheter but also due to other reasons. I had them plenty as a kid.

My best advice is that if you're giving birth at a hospital, ask for a child-size catheter if they won't do it after you're numb. 😉

Answer

I have an over irrational fear of catheters because of horrible childhood experiences; like I go into a serious panic attack when I have to have one put in; but when I had my daughter they put it in after I had my epidural and then removed it right before I started pushing.

Answer

Honestly, just uncomfortable lol when you're in pain though there's no one thing that's worse than another. It all sucks 😩

Answer

I hate catheters but it really wasn't that bad. It's a small pinch and then it's just uncomfortable. Hang in there!

Answer

My epidural didn't have time to
Work however the catheter was just uncomfortable it didn't hurt

Fear of catheters?

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