when is it too late to get an epidural?

Question

I really want an epidural. 100%. I've been going into preterm labor, doctor is taking me off meds at 36 weeks and we're going let to my body start labor like it's been trying to. But I'm scared of waiting to long to go in to the hospital, because I don't want to be too late for an epidural. Is there a certain number they won't give it to you? FTM

Answer

It's all about your ability to sit still to be honest . The further along you are (8-10cm) the more excruciating the pain is and the harder it is to sit still. An anesthesia provider won't try and put a needle in your back if you're moving all around.

As a labor and delivery RN I've seen women be able to get one at 10cm it just depends on the patient and scenario. The baby also needs to be doing well (good heart rate).

Answer

I got mine when I was dilated to a 4 and it lasted the whole time. I said going into it that I wanted to wait until I was at least a 7... but that changed quickly! I was induced and having a minute long contractions every minute and only dilated to a 1 for the longest. Not everyone is like this though when induced, I just had a bad experience.

Answer

The hospital I delivered at said no chance for it after 9cm just because they couldn't guarantee that the anesthesiologist would be able to make it in time.

Answer

With my daughter I was too late to get an epidural cuz I waited at my house until contractions where 2 to 3 minutes apart so when the doctor checked a was 10cm😩😩😩😩. I dont think that with this pregnancy I will wait that long, but to be honest, the pain wasn't that bad until the end of course 😩.

Answer

Depends on your hospitals policy. Mine will give it to you as late as you want as long as you can hold still.

Answer

First in order to get it they want you at at least 4cm. And the reason why you hear women say it was too late is that it takes time to get one not the actual epidural but getting the anesthesiologist to your room. I never waited more than 30 min but I e heard horror stories of women waiting an hour or better. So you just want to try and ask for it by around 7 or 8cm. To be honest you probably won't even make it that far before you ask lol. Shit starts getting real after 5 or 6cm. Hope this helped 😊

Answer

My hospital says there's really no such thing as too early or too late. Only time they will recommend pushing through and not getting it is if it's time to push and baby is on it's way!

Answer

Prob depends on ur dr. I asked for one at 2cm w my first baby. They waited so long & guy too so long, I was at 8 Cm when I got it. Guess depends on what ur dr thinks

Answer

When the baby is out. Seriously, I have had women come in at 10cm and say they didn't want to push in pain. Combined spinal/epidural in a side laying position and viola! No pain baby! Depends on the doctor, the hospital and the anesthesiologist, though. I recommend doing some research if you want the option. Good luck!! ;)

Answer

I wasn't even fully through the doors when I told the nurse dope me up so im not 100% sure on this but I think after 8cm they won't give you one

when is it too late to get an epidural?

Let's Glow!

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