2006-10-09 14:02:52 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
it's a fairly big needle, and it goes a fair wack in. epidurals only last about an hour depending how much they give you but you wont feel it coz you will be in much more pain before you ask for it... you may not need it so dont worry
2006-10-09 14:08:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
While having a natural childbirth is ideal, it is not practical for everybody. Everyone experiences pain differently. Some women have period cramps and continue with their day while others are bed ridden. Everyone's body is different and everyone has different levels of pain tolerance. What is tolerable for one person may be unbearable for another. Since you are a first time mom you are probably going to be more scared, nervous, and have a higher level of anxiety than a more experienced mom. I think the birthing experience may be easier for you if you have the epidural. While everybody knows that labor is stressful, severe stress during is not good either. It is true that the epidural can slow down the birth process, but it helps to make the process more bearable for the mother. The pain of the epidural needle is nothing compared to the pain of the contractions you will feel. Many women start out with a natural birth plan and change their minds during it because of the pain. There is NO shame in having an epidural. When I had mine they had me bend over the side of the bed with a pillow under my stomach while they inserted the needle. It was over very quickly and wasn't bad at all.
2016-03-20 08:08:12 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
DON'T LET SOME OF THESE PEOPLE SCARE YOU.
I have epidurals on two occasions. Both times, it was for surgery. I also have worked in Labor and Delivery and currently work in an Operating Room.
The needle used for epidurals is 3 1/2 inches long. It needs to be that long to get to the epidural space. Once the anesthesiologist has confirmed they are in the right space, they will thread a very thin catheter into that space so that they can give medication to you as long as you need it. Once the catheter is in place, the needle will be removed. The catheter will be taped down to your back and you will be quite comfortable. You will not feel anything in your back anymore. You may have a slight backache when the medication wears off, but that should go away quickly. Just get up and walk.
If you have questions, ASK YOUR DOCTOR. That is what you are paying him for. There are options for people needing pain control. He or she can help you choose the best one for YOU.
Good luck!!
2006-10-09 14:18:31 · answer #3 · answered by Lucky girl 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Epidural Needle
2016-10-01 03:30:27 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An epidural needle is long because of the area that it needs to go to (the area around the spinal cord). You probably won't even see the needle as they work on your back and the position you need to get into is not for watching. Don't be concerned about the size of the needle. An epidural is a great option for childbirth and can work successfully for your full labor if done properly. Good Luck.
2006-10-09 14:20:15 · answer #5 · answered by Laura C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's really long but when you are in pain and feeling like you are about to die it doesnt matter! Just remember if you get on to make sure it is the right time the nurse will let you know because if you get it to soon you will be in pain while giving brith and if you do it to late you will fell pain try to wait until you are 7cm and don't move around because the needle stays in your back try to lay on your side thats what i did.My best friend layed on her back and moved aroung she had back prroblems for 3 years.
HERE'S SOME FACTS:
It involves injecting a local anesthetic through a thin catheter that has been placed into the epidural space next to the spinal column.
The epidural space is separated from the spinal column/spinal fluid by a tough membrane called the dura mater or "dura". As local anesthetic is injected into the epidural space, the nerves in the area are "numbed". The nerves which carry the pain sensation from the uterus are numbed with a dilute solution of local anesthetic. Over time, the nerves which supply sensation and motor (muscle) control to the legs are also affected resulting in weakness and tingling of the legs and thats why the make you stay in bed.
2006-10-09 14:20:03 · answer #6 · answered by cody 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hear it's a pretty large needle. Compared to the discomfort and pain of hard labor, it's a walk in the park. You will sit up on the delivery table (side) and hold on tight to your coach. That's what I did and I didn't move. You won't believe how much you'll be wanting that needle. Don't be afraid, though, people do it every day. Even me. And I'm the biggest wimp on two feet. Good luck.
2006-10-09 14:12:18 · answer #7 · answered by *Larry P. he's for me* 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is quite long but that is just for leverage. The needle goes through the skin and into the hollow inside the bone of the spine. It just enters that cavity as your spinal cord is also in that cavity. I have had two. It hurts a little but the benefits out weigh the hurt. I had one for childbirth and surgery. Afterward your back may be a little sore. I would opt for another epidural for my next procedure.
2006-10-09 14:09:58 · answer #8 · answered by bramblerock 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I can remember correctly, it is about 4-6 inches or so long. They release the epi into the fluid that surrounds your spinal cord, between the vertebrae, depending on your size/build is how far it will actually go into your back, but do not worry, you get a local or all over "feel good" medicine before they give you the actual epi, so it does not hurt as much as you think!
2006-10-09 14:09:08 · answer #9 · answered by jenniejustforfun 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Trust me, no matter how long the needle is, you won't care when your screaming in pain every 2 minutes. A little pinch and everything goes dead from the waist down. it was great
2006-10-09 14:22:38 · answer #10 · answered by catwoman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋