How was your epidural??

Question

This will be my third and final birth. I went unmedicated and natural for my first two but they were both LONG and very painful... I don’t think I want to go through a third long and painful birth process and I’m giving myself grace this time. Please tell me your experiences!

Answer

I found the process to be easy and the effects were freaking glorious. I had a really complicated and painful induction and was vomiting from pain while getting my epidural but minutes later all was wonderful. Also, really loved the catheter. I carry super low so I have to pee constantly. Was so nice to be in bed and not have to get out constantly to pee.

Answer

I didn’t want an epidural because I was scared of it more than childbirth, but after my labor wasn’t progressing fast enough, they pressured me into it.
It was a bad experience. First of all, I don’t know what happened but it hurt incredibly bad when he pushed it in, I screamed and he had to redo it, i had been so quiet and fine during all of labor but when he put that needle in I felt it through my whole body like an electric shock. When he redid it, the same pain. My blood pressure dropped dangerously low from it, and then the anesthesiologist wouldn’t come back in the room to give me the medication to help with the low blood pressure, I don’t know if he felt guilty or what, but I was losing consciousness. Eventually I restabilized. But after the birth I had to have TWO spinal blood patches done because I got those terrible headaches afterward. And the site where the needle was hurt for about a year afterward. 
I’m convinced I was so scared of the hospital... that’s why I quick had my second baby in the car before I got there lol. And this third time, home birth. 
I know my situation was really rare though.

Answer

I had no issues with mine, got it pretty smooth and it helped me relax and get some sleep while things progressed through the night. I was up walking within a few hours of giving birth. My back was itchy where it was inserted for a few days after, but that was it.

Answer

It was fine, after 24 hours of super slow dilation and horrible back labor, I decided to get it and it was amazing. I slept and was able to relax and finally progress. I could still feel the contractions happening when it came time to push, so I knew when to, but they were pain free and I was also glad because I tore really bad and couldn’t feel it or the doctor stitching me up after which would have been awful I’m sure. I’m definitely getting one again as soon as humanly possible this time!!

Answer

My first daughter I could feel anything at all - I was so numb I felt helpless and couldn’t move. With my 2nd daughter the epidural was perfect - I could feel pressure but now pain and I could move my legs and keep switching positions to open my pelvis. It’s was awesome! I could feel the birth of my daughter but no pain. Loved it!

Answer

The process of giving me the epidural, horrible both times. 
The effects of the epidural both times, wonderful.

Answer

I didn’t have a “bad” experience having an epidural, as I was getting it I needed to push. I had an insane fast labor. Once they got it placed I rolled over and out came my baby. It didn’t kick in until I was actually getting stitches. I had some headache issues afterwards for a few weeks and It was a little bit of a tough recovery. Not sure if it was just because it was my first baby. My second baby I didn’t have time to get an epidural and I had an AMAZING recovery. I felt like a super hero instantly after delivery. No headaches! I will probably opt for natural this time because I probably will have to anyways but my recovery was just so much better not having one.

Answer

I've been induced twice and had an epidural twice. I loved having the actual epidural, but I hated the insertion process. But I must have a weird back because it seems like they had a much harder time then normal getting them into me.  But once it was in and working it was amazing. I could still feel the contractions, just not the pain.  I'll be getting another one, though I dread getting it put in, it is definitely worth it to me!

Answer

My epidural only numbed half of me. My right side was so bloated (still had feeling on my left side). I felt all the contractions. It worked the first 30 minutes and then went down hill from there. I ended up needing an emergency c section. I (mostly) felt the doctors cutting in me during the c section 😐

Answer

I’ve had both medicated and unmedicated and will choose unmedicated in a heartbeat, and will for this one unless there is some type of complication. With my epidural I ended up with a 4th degree tear and a year+ recovery. It worked too well and because I couldn’t use any muscles and couldn’t feel contractions, I just had to push super hard to get the baby out. Worst pain of my life. With the unmedicated birth with my second, I tore slightly along the scar tissue, and was up moving within an hour of the birth. No issues. Yes it was painful during labor, but much better than dealing with unbearable pain for months after.

How was your epidural??

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