How long should I wait to go in?

Question

I'm 39 weeks tomorrow and I'm really hoping I will go into labor on my own. If thats the case I plan to wait it out for as long as I can at home until the contractions arent bearable anymore. At what point does the doctor say it's too late for an epidural?

Answer

It could take a while after you get to the hospital to actually receive your epidural. They will order lab work first and cannot move forward until those results are back. They will also need to give you a certain amount of iv fluids prior to the epidural. Also, the anesthesiologist may not be able to get to you right away depending on emergencies and such. Just keep this all in mind. As previously stated, the 5-1-1 rule is a great way to determine when to go in.

Answer

It honestly depends on the doctor. You won’t be able to know since it’s not good for you to check your own dilation. Go in when your contractions are 5-1-1

Answer

Depends on the anesthesiologist. My midwife said epidurals can be given at any point, but our hospital is also extremely patient centered. One doctor laid on the floor with a flashlight to deliver a child because the mom was in a comfortable position and environment. At your next appt (assuming you haven’t gone into labor yet), ask if they have a cut off for epidurals and if there is an anesthesiologist at the hospital or if they have to wait for one to arrive (some have them on call but not on site).

Answer

If that’s the case I wouldn’t wait very long to go into the hospital you run the risk of no epidural and having baby quickly. You may not feel a lot of pain and can be one of those women who go from 0-10 quickly.

Answer

My doctor had a cut off at 8cm. By the time I got to the hospital I was already at 7cm. Since the pain wasn't extremely terrible, I decided to wait (and I stayed at 7cm for awhile). After a few hours I started having contractions so bad I demanded the epidural. The anesthesiologist asked the nurse if they checked me but she just said give it. After I got it, the doctor came in and saw I was at 10cm. I was just lucky she was occupied when I got it, otherwise she would have told me no. Like a previous poster said, you don't really know how many cm you are until you go in, so it's best to go in once your contractions are regular so they can check

Answer

My doctor told me after 4or5cm they will no longer do the epidural..every pregnancy is different sometimes you dialte quicker then in other pregnancys

How long should I wait to go in?

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