How painful is an epidural?

Answer 1

"Painful" isn't quite how I'd describe it. It feels really weird, but it doesn't hurt. You of course will feel the prick of the needle, but it's not any different than getting a shot in your arm. What the nurse will make you do is make you bend over from the waist (you'll be sitting on the edge of the table) and hug a pillow. This can also be done while lying down...you basically fold yourself in half. Hold really still so that it's done properly. That's really all there is to it. It's the "mental" thing that freaks us women out....needle...in the back....etc. Relax and it will be ok, I promise. I've had two of them. Getting stung by a bee hurts ten times more!!!!!

Answer 2

not really painful but uncomfortable. I think the worse part of the epidural is after it has worn off. I had a very hard time urinating cuz i could not feel downthere. I also had severe chills about 2 wks post epidural. But it does the job it it required to do

Answer 3

It didn't hurt me and any "uncomfortable" feeling was soo worth not having pain during childbirth. I will say this though - the after effects were not fun. Had trouble feeling my legs for a day or two. That went away though and when it's time for another baby I will do get another epidural!

Answer 4

An epidural is not very painful, although it gets your back very cold (like ice) but afterwards you feel alot better than before!

Answer 5

I had this done once but that was 21 years ago. All they do is put the needle in your spine i think it is, which only hurts for a moment then it dulls the labor pains after abit.

Answer 6

I had one, and let me tell you, it's worth it! It doesn't hurt as much as the actual birth, that's for sure!