What alternatives would you recommend to an epidural?

Question

I used to have to wear a backbrace for my scoliosis (curving of the spinal column), so it's a pretty severe case. I'm more terrified about having an epidural than the actual labor! I was thinking of going natural (which none of my friedns recommend), what would you suggest for pain relief?

Answer 1

Grin and bear it!

My wife had one for each of our first two kids...the third one, the baby came too fast for them to give her the epidural, and there was no difference, pain-wise.

...from what I could tell...

Answer 2

There are different forms of pain relief. I personally chose the epidural. I heard things about it along time ago and was afraid, but realized it was not bad after all and was wonderful for me. However I did not suffer from scoliosis. I would talk to an anestigialist and see what they say. You can always go for the natural labour however, if things get to intense, why suffer? This was my plan my first pregnancy. It was so much more pleasant once the pain went away. It is best to prepare and be aware before you go in. Things don't always go like we plan. You might not change your mind til you are there. I had really bad labour pain in my back. It was the worst part for me. They do also offer demerol. I tried that in my first pregnancy, and it just made me sick, so I knew it wasn't an option the second time around. Also with the epidural you control the amount of medication that you use. There is a button you can press when you feel pain. I think the best thing you can do, seeing as your situation is different from most of us, is sit down and go over your options with the doctors and see what the right choice will be for you. Always have a backup in mind as well in case you change your mind.

Answer 3

Your best option is to discuss your concern regarding an epidural and your Scoliosis...

There are muscle relaxants, and other pain killers that can be admisinstered through an I.V., not everyone has an epidural...

With my oldest child I did have an epidural not because of sever pain but because I opted for demerol (pain killer) and as it turns out I have a severe allergy to demerol (chemical properties similar to heroin) I began having hallucinations (Napoleon Era French Soldiers in the room, I remember looking at my Mother and thinking her face was melting)... I was given the epidural because the hallucinations intensified with each contraction... Once I was given the epidural, things calmed down I was no longer screaming like a crazy woman and standing on the bed informing everyone I was leaving and not even French Soldiers could stop me.....I actually went to sleep (a much improved thing according to my mother).... But the pain I was feeling prior to the demerol and things going nuts was not enough that I even wanted an epidural, the dr gave me the epidural after consulting with my mother, as a means to attempt to manage both the labor and the allergic reaction preventing a c-section if possible... It did work and I am glad they did it, although I have no recollection of the time between getting the demerol and the hallucinations beginning and being woken up and told it was time to push... (about 4.5 hours)

With my youngest 2 children I had a different grade of muscle relaxant (No more demerol for me) just something to take the edge off (What I had wanted the demerol to do, but didn't know until then I was allergic) , never felt the need for an epidural...

You may go through labor without ever feeling the need for any pain killer, you and your dr should discuss non epidural options prior to the day of delivery... An epidural is not manditory make you wishes clear to your Dr and hospital staff, They work for you...

Answer 4

I'd suggest going with a birth doula. She'll be able to help you find alternate methods of dealing with labor.

I had an epidural with my second son and it was really painful getting it. Trying to stay still during the contractions was a nightmare. If I ever get pregnant again I'm going to stay as far away from epidurals as possible.

Good luck!

Answer 5

How do you react to pain? For me needles are the worst pain possible. Getting the IV and 10 or more hours later the epidural were the most painful part of everything.

I had food poisioning once and that was more painful than labor.

Just say calm and only talk when you want to. Just lay there and think about going asleep. (You probably won't sleep, it's just that relaxed state of mind that you want)

Answer 6

There are no other pain relief methods that i know of during labor other than an epidural. if you have a good anesthesiologist performing the epidural(inserting needle), you will not feel a thing. i have had three epidurals. epidurals were a life saver for me. i don't think i could have handled a natural labor. if you feel that you prefer to have a natural birth, then that is your choice. do not make a decision whether to have a natural birth or an epidural based on other peoples experiences. everyone does not have the same experience.

Answer 7

natural isnt that bad trust me i did it first time and back for second but what about tens machine i would just be open minded going into labor! i would first have gas and air then if that isnt working try tens machine then if not pethidine and if not epidural but after you have tried the first lot you would have probably had the baby before the epidural! im terrified of epidurals cause they can cause harm to the baby and make the woman parilized after so just be open minded you might be able to go the natural way every womens pain thresh hold is different good luck honey xx

Answer 8

I don't think there is anything else comparable to epidural when it comes to stopping the pain. Have you talked to your doctor about an epidural and scoliosis?

Answer 9

I was given a Demerol cocktail for my last baby (there was no anthologist in) it worked for a little bit but I think any medication they give you is only going to be a temporary relief. I would discuss this with your doctor/anthologist to find out the risk factors for you getting an epidural.

Answer 10

Warm water is wonderful during labor. I labored in water for most of my labor and I can't recommend that enough.

Also try taking some empowering birth classes. Such as Hypnobirthing, Birthing from Within, or The Bradley Method. The classes sponsered by the hospital will not be empowering.

Answer 11

Acupuncture is a safe alternative. It has been used for years with great success. I know people turn their noses up at new things, but it's not new. It's thousands of years old and it works. It's not a cure all just as western meds are not, but using them together you can work wonders. I plan on using it. It is simple and painless and can help you to be pain free or have much less pain during delivery. Good luck!