Do epidurals hurt?

Answer 1

IT DIDN'T HURT ME AT ALL. WITH MY FIRST BORN THEY HAD TO POKE ME TWICE. I JUST FOCUSED ON THE FACT THAT I WAS GOING TO HAVE MY BABY SOON AND THAT HELPED ME A LITTLE I WAS TO EXCITED TO FEEL IT. BUT IT DOES STING A LITTLE AT FIRST BUT THATS IT. THE THING THAT HURT ME THE MOST WAS WHEN THEY WENT TO TAKE IT OFF. THEY TAPE IT ON REALLY GOOD. THEM REMOVING THE TAPE THATS WHAT HURT. BUT YOU'LL BE FINE!

Answer 2

I was in so much labor pain my contractions were so strong that i really did not feel the epidural. Of course i felt a slight discomfort but compared to my contractions it was nothing and a couple of minutes after the epidural i was so much better, I regret not having an epidural with my other two labors. The epidural on me lasted all thru my labor and then some, i have nothing bad to say about epidurals. Just remember that we all handle pain differently and the epidural may last more or less on people depending on how well they handle pain. Good luck:)

Answer 3

I had an epidural with my first baby.
I have since given birth without drugs, and I prefer that.

When getting an epidural, you have to curl over to make the space between your backbones accessible. This is VERY hard to do with a huge pregnant belly, especially during contractions!

The anesthesiologist first administers a small numbing shot. This stings, but it is over quickly.

Then the catheter is inserted between the bones of your spine, and the drugs are injected into the epidural space. Rarely, this causes an allergic reaction, but it can happen.

Sometimes the epidural does not "take" or only affects half of the body. You will still feel pain in the areas that are unaffected.

Sometimes it causes a "spinal headache" which lasts for several days. This is extremely painful and makes caring for and bonding with your new baby very difficult. You may need another injection in your spine to cure the headache.

Sometimes it causes back problems which last for years.
Sometimes it causes paralysis. This can be temporary or permanent.
Very very rarely, it may cause death of the mother or baby.

These are rare but possible effects of epidural anesthesia. Sometimes the benefits of having one are greater than the risks, but that is something for you and your doctor to decide.

If you are interested in alternatives to epidural anesthesia, there are options!
Waterbirth is very effective. It is sometimes called "The midwife's epidural" because it works so well, and midwives use it more than doctors. http://www.waterbirth.org

Hypnosis is another effective technique. It doesn't remove all sensation, but it helps change perception of what is happening from negative to positive.
http://www.hypnobirth.com
http://www.hypnobabies.com

You can also take classes about natural childbirth.
http://www.bradleybirth.com/

Best wishes to you!

Answer 4

Depends on your pain toleration level. I hate pain and mine hurt, but not as bad as people said it would. On top of that, I was contracting while I was having the epidural put in. I was in so much pain I was shaking. And the doctors say you have to be very still because if you make sudden movements, you could have spinal damage which could leave you paralyzed. The contractions hurt the most if you ask me. The epidural worked wonders though!

Answer 5

they can be alittle uncomfortable..but the numbing shot hurts more then the epidural will...but having a epidural can cause you to have bad back pains after removal that can last a few months or even years ( my daughter is 18 months old and i had two and i bad pain when people push on the site of the epidurals)

Answer 6

I didn't think getting the epidural was any worse than my strongest contractions. It was such a relief when it kicked in that I completely forget about it hurting while they were inserting it. It was great and I plan on doing it again when I have another child. But, be warned it is a narcotic so when it wears off you itch like CRAZY!! Still worth it though, LOL!

Answer 7

I was in so much pain from labor that the epidural was more like a bee sting. I only felt a pinch and then within seconds, I felt nothing.... It's not that bad, trust me. I hate any kind of needles!

Answer 8

uummm, yeah!!!!!

they hurt like crazy when the needle is being inserted, but the relief from an epidural that takes is worth it! i wouldn't even think of looking at the needle that they use. the anticipation actually makes the pain worse.

and yes, it does pass quickly, but i had intense back labor, and my anesthesiologist would not wait when a contraction hit. that may be why it hurt so much at the time!

Answer 9

I did not feel a thing when they did my epidural. Usually, they give a first shot to numb the area. Then, they put in the needed to insert the catheter. I didn't feel even the slightest twinge!

Answer 10

From my experience YES!! I won't lie to you. I had no choice I needed the epidural for the C-section. The best advice is to try and not think about it and relax, relax, relax. I found that the room was so cold, that I was cold and tense, if I had been warmer I might have been able to relax more.

Answer 11

Oh boy do they hurt! I have had 4, and 3 were the most intense pain I have ever felt, including the 46 hours of labor with my first.. If you are lucky, they will be quick. I had one anesthesiologist from china who did it slightly different, he had me lay on my belly, and with him I felt nothing. The other 3 were intense, 2 nurses holding you in front so you don't fall off the table, hysterical crying, sharp intense pain.. But when it is in, it is like heaven.. You are completely pain free, but not like you are drunk or drugged too badly - you can think and communicate.. I would never have a baby without one! The few minutes of intense pain is worth the pain free result. It makes a much easier, nicer birth!