How is an Epidural given?

Question

Does it hurt?

Answer 1

I have had an epidural and 3 spinals when I delivered my 4 kids. I am a pro at getting one. They sit you on the edge of the table. Legs hanging over and have you lean forward or hug a pillow. They give a little shot to numb you(stings a little) then the insert the bigger needle with the tubes and all that-heck I dunno they are behind you. lol Anyway- sometimes it will feel a little cold down your spine for a second. Once I had a little twitch in my leg for a second when they did it. It has Never been painful. It's a little unnerving but it is okay- they tape it in place and you are good to go. Best thing- no more pain. You will be fine no worries. My aunt had one and they made her sit on the bed cross legged and try to lean over a pillow- pregnant. what were they thinking- her belly was too big! They couldn't get hers in and that hurt her. I would always opt for sitting up with legs over the table. Arching your back up a little gives them better access. Try to breathe and hold very still. It only takes a minute and you are done. Good Luck.

Answer 2

An anesthesiologist numbs an area in your mid to lower back, then inserts a needle into what is called the epidural space in your spine and injects medication into into it. Once they remove the needle, a small catheter is left in the space. They hook you up to a machine called a pump and it gives the numbing medication. It usually takes a few minutes to take effect. They leave the catheter in place in case they need to give you more medication during your labor. Usually, they use it after labor to give you pain medication. Depending on the type of epidural you get, you have to stay in bed once you get it since you can't feel your legs very well. If you get a "walking epidural," you can still walk around to help the labor progress.

Answer 3

through the epidural space in between the vertebre in the spine. It hurts only for a few seconds, then the freezing kicks in.

Answer 4

They put a needle into your spine. No, it didn't hurt me at all. I didn't even feel it go in. It was wonderful. I didn't feel anything from the waist down. I am getting one this time also.

Do not listen to that Doug guy. I was overweight with my last pregnancy and am with this one. It didn't hurt at all. I think women are crazy to go through so much pain when they do not have to anymore. It doesn't make any sense to me.

Answer 5

You are asked to cradel yourself in a semi fetal postion. Either sitting up or on your side. The docotor will then apply a disinfectant solution ( like idodine) on your back. He will then insert a long needel into your back in between a some vertibrae. a tube is connected to the needle and a nerve blocker is injected.

I am sure there is a more technically and accurate description out there, but that is the jist of it.

Answer 6

The medication is injected into your spine. It can be very uncomfortable if you are even 10 pounds overweight. They have a hard time finding the right spot to inject the medication unless you have a spine that sticks out.

Answer 7

A large needle in the spine

Answer 8

in the spine, and no as much pain as labor is, that's nothing. I've had 3 of them.

Answer 9

They stick it in your back. Right next to your spine. If you move you will be paralyzed.

Answer 10

they put a tube into your spine with a big needle that they can put anesthetic right into your spinal column