Epidural - any tips/things you wish you had known??

Question

Hi all, FTM considering epidural which is not as common in the uk. If you have had an epidural previously please share any tips I.e when pushing etc or any other help/advice xx thank you xx

Answer

Meet your anethesiologist or someone in that department when you tour the hospital... They helped calm my nerves and I would definitely get an epidural again

Answer

I got the shivers and my legs felt like they weighed a ton which made me nervous at first but glad I had one, they stopped it once I hit 10cm so I could feel for pushing but it went well.

Answer

No problem. Urinary retention can be dangerous which is why they'll scan your bladder and measure what you're putting out ☺️ 
I'm only 4 weeks today, but I would like to opt for a mobile epidural (where you have some feeling below and possibly walk around) xx

Answer

I had one my first time and couldnt feel anything. Which makes it difficult to push correctly. I ended up with a C-section. I did it the second time and had it turned off so I could feel and push (my labors were 3 and 4 days. I needed them to rest). I successfully delivered vaginally. I will have one put in but not turned on this time. They can be in place for up to three days. This will be in place as a precaution to an emergency c section. If they have to do it, they can simply turn it on and not have to put me under. Once you get to a certain point, there no time for an epidural, do I asked the doc about it and they loved the idea. Makes it easier on all of us, while I attempt a natural birth. I am a tiny woman...

Answer

I had one but for a c section so no advice other than after to make sure someone moves you even slightly on the bed - I lay funny on a part of my back/butt too long and was in pain when feeling came back for weeks x

Answer

Make sure you're 4cm dialated before you get one, becuase it can stall your labor if you get it too early.

Answer

My experience was great! I was numb but could still move my legs. I did get the chills though. When it was getting close for time I felt a lot of pressure so they gave me a button I could ouch every 15 min to give a little more medicine. When I pushed I didn't feel anything! Definitely going to do it again! Was able to get up and use the bathroom within an hour or so.

Answer

In the U.K, it means a longer hospital stay. You will have a catheter and once it's removed (1/2 days after) you will have a 'TWOC' (trial without catheter) where you have to pass good volumes of urine at least three times. You can go in to urinary retention after any kind of anaesthesia.

(Source: I'm an NHS nurse)

Answer

I've heard that when they put you on epidural you're given a very small amount, but they will give you a higher dose every time you ask for it without a second thought. According to one mother, her first pregnancy she just kept asking for as much epidural as she could possibly get, until she was so numb that she couldn't access any of her muscles to push the baby out! She says if she gets epidural with her next birth she'll only get the tiniest little amount just to help her get through it.
It's actually really reassuring to me to hear that because I was under the impression that they would give you one set dosage and either you'd have no epidural and be in tons of raw pain, or you'd have all the epidural and be completely unable to feel your whole bottom half. That would be really scary if you ask me.
So I'm glad to hear there's an option to only have a little bit of epidural which will just ease the pain but not make you totally unable to feel your body. It's especially reassuring to me because I plan to refuse a catheter, and I was told that if you get an epidural you have to get one because you won't be able to stand to use the bathroom. If I only get a little bit of epidural I should be able to use the bathroom just fine without having a painful tube stuck up my urethra.

Epidural - any tips/things you wish you had known??

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