What does getting an epidural feel like?

Question

Does the needle hurt?

What does it feel like when the medicine goes in?

Answer 1

My wife said it felt like a needle sting, and them the drugs came and all pain was gone.

Answer 2

Just like most have said so far, it hurts just a little bit going in, and yes you will feel wonderful when it kicks in. It can take a few minutes to do and that's because they want to get it in the right spot so it works effectively. One thing that was said that might make you afraid on here was that if you flinch you could become paralyzed - that is NOT TRUE! You have to be as still as you can , yes, but flinching will not make you paralyzed. It would only mean that they might have to reposition the catheter so the medicine goes into the right spot. If the medicine goes anywhere else it won't be very effective, and that is the primary reason for getting it properly placed. You have to get to a certain point in your contractions before you can have the epidural, so you'll know by that time if you want it for sure or not. Labor hurts a lot more than the epidural needle & catheter, especially if you have back labor, which you cannot predict, so I would tell your doctor that you are interested in it. You can always decide against it later, but I don't think you will once you get a taste of true labor.

Answer 3

Actually, it hurts worse to get the IV in your wrist when you first get there. I would go ahead and get it as soon as possible, because once you start feeling more intense contractions, it's harder to keep still. If this is your first pregnancy, this probably won't be an issue. They usually move slower, and the nurses will use petocin to speed up your labor, but that's not everybody.

**Petocin is used to speed up your labor, so you will not be having contractions for hours and hours, waiting for you cervix to dialate. It does not cause pain, if anything, it relieves it because it shortens the time you're in labor and feeling contractions.

You'll have to sit up on the edge of the bed leaning on your hubby, coach, whoever.... and after a contraction, the anestesiologist will stick you with the needle to numb your back. You'll feel a little sting, just like getting a shot. He'll then insert a catheter into your back so the meds can run into you continuously. Because you'll be numb from the waist down, they'll have to give you another catheter for your urine. You should feel pressure, not pain from the contractions almost immediately afterwards. If you still feel pain afterwards, it might have not taken- it is safe to get another one.

There are some complications and side effects that could occur, that the anestesiologist will explain to you. You will then have to sign a waiver. Epidurals can cause severe headaches, block failure (which happened to me), numbness in only one side or leg, etc. I've added a link, and the website gives statistics.

There's no reason not to have an epidural. There is less of a chance of things going seriously wrong, compared to how painful your labor could be.

Answer 4

It's really not too bad. The needle doesn't hurt anymore than any other needle, just sounds worse. The medicine is a relief as it goes in. Just relax and enjoy. It's less painful than labor.
Don't let all these negative responses scare you. It's a very safe procedure and as you see, the majority of us said it is well worth it. An epidural will not cause you to sleep through the birth. It may give you time to take a nap but the epi will not cause you to be sleepy itself.
Happy mom, happy baby.

Answer 5

Have you ever had a contraction? On a scale of 1-10 in pain, some feel higher than a 10. Contractions will stop you right in your tracks, literally so I wouldn't be worried about the pain of an epidural. For an epidural,I would say a 5 but the relief it brings is worth any minimal pain. It does hurt but worth it to regain some energy to start pushing..epidurals are nothing compared to the pain of contractions or labor without being somewhat numb so yes epidural are so worth any discomfort!

Answer 6

Honestly, it feels like heaven when you know what it makes you miss out on. Seriously, it depends on the anesthesiologists skill at administering them but it really isn't that bad. It is a needle poke and a strong sensation of pressure on the spot followed by a slight burning feeling and then HEAVEN !!!!!!! I have 2 boys. The first born with no meds at all ( in fact was almost born in the car on the way to the hospital) and it was a great experience but was Very pain full. The second was induced and I had an epidural and it was like a day at the beach. If its the pain that has you concerned then I would definitely go with the epidural. Its nothing next to childbirth.

Answer 7

Hiyas...I had an epidural in December when I had been contracting for days and when i was finally checked in to the hospital and FINALLY given the epidural it was a sweet relief!!! The epidural needle itself stings a little bit as they are putting it in, but the pain from the contractions were far worse so I figured if I could just put up with a little sting it would all be better for me...the hardest part was having to sit still while they administered the epidural though...they are messing around with your spine so you can't be flinching, etc...I didn't really feel the medicine, but like i said, i stopped feeling the contractions!

Answer 8

I didn't feel a thing when I had my epidural. My fear of a needle overtook me so that is why I didn't feel anything. I have been told by others that it is just a quick poke and far better then going through natural birth.

I would recomend the epidural. I am glad I did it. While I layed in bed I played poker with my husband at the time. He was watching the screeen and would ask me "did you feel that" I said no. I looked at the screen and saw that my contractions were so high that it didn't regester completely on the t.v. screen.

Giving birth was easy. No pain at all. I was told I would feel some presure but I didn't. I had to watch my stomach to make sure I was pushing with my stomach muscles. No pain, no pressure, nothing. That was my experience.

Answer 9

It's nothing compared to the pain of labor, but make sure you're fully aware of the side effects and possible risks. I have five children (i'm 25) and recieved epidurals with the first three. I know suffer from ongoing back pain. I was told I needed to be in physical therapy. i made a decision to have my two youngest children naturally, because I was told that having another epidural would just aggravate the problem. It really wasn't as hard as I thought. Anyway don't wait until you are in labor and not thinking straight to make your decision, know all the benefits and risks FROM YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER. I hope this is helpful. Good Luck.

Answer 10

Do not take this kind of procedure as routine just because many people get it. There is a definite danger to it as it has to be precisely administered.

To the smartie who is making assumptions about your need for an epidural, I had to have one for a C-section when my baby's health was in jeopardy.

I thought no big deal. You are told to curl up (9 1/2 months pregnant?) and stay motionless. It didn't hurt but was like an electric shock. My body reacted without my control. Arms and legs shot outwards. The medical staff acted panicky. It wasn't the time to be asking questions about what happened. After the baby (lovely and healthy) was born, I was so doped up with morphine that I didn't care about asking what went wrong.

But I gather I could have been paralyzed.

Answer 11

Hell yes it hurts. They are sticking a big old needle in your spine. You're gonna yell and scream bloody murder. You will probably cuss and swear the doctor, the nurse, the receptionist and even the parking lot attendant. Better to get run over by a truck on the way to have it done than to get there and have it done. You will cuss your mother and your grandmother. You won't even care if you get a sticker afterwards. If someone that takes you to the appointment promises you an ice cream cone for being a good patient you will tell them where they can stick it. You are facing the worst medical procedure know to man or woman in the world. Better to get attacked by a pit bull on the way so you can't have the procedure. Easier to shove an ice pick in your eye then pound it in with a hammer than to have an epidural. But, on the positive side.....forget it, there isn't a positive side. Good luck.