How long do you have to be in labor for or how far dialated do you have to be before you can get an epidural or whatever? Also, when, if you've opted not to get the epidural is it too late to change your mind?
2006-10-27 21:27:43 · 4 answers · asked by kyles_aunt_jenny_age_24 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
I'm not 100% sure but I think its when your in active labour, which is when your contractions last between 60-90 seconds long and coming every 2-4 mins. During the active stage of labour you will dilate from 4cm - 10 cm. So you need to be about 5cm and 8cm is normally to late for drugs except the gas. You can say that you don't want an epidural in your birth plan, but if you have tried everything else and the pain is still to much they will let you change your mind as you can't plan for what pain you personally will endure during labour.
2006-10-27 22:48:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always got gipped on the epidural, and I wanted it! I had back labor with each of three kids, and even with my miscarriage. Generall, epidurals are given about 5-6 centimeters, and cant get one after 8, because it wont kick in on time. I've heard it helps with labor pains, and considering I had au naturelle twice, I was deeply stressed and in serious pain, so it maybe made it worse for baby this way. I have low pain threshold. It's nice to have that choice. Check with doctor and hospital though, one hospital said it was 'policy' to give another version of it, lesser drugs that didnt do as much, so I could walk afterwards. I didn't want to walk! And the pushing was worse for not having an actual epidural. It did cut on pain time though and that did help. Good luck.
2006-10-27 22:01:22 · answer #2 · answered by silverwings0002 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do you have a doctor? ask them. I'm not trying to be funny but I assume you're not giving birth in a back alley somewhere. I have 2 kids and both times the staff at the hospital were happy to answer all our questions. Don't ask these Yahoo yahoos! Ask a professional.
2006-10-27 21:30:38 · answer #3 · answered by hot.turkey 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
they usually make you wait until you are at least four centimeters dilated, and after eight to nine, you are too late for one, you bess get ready to push and have an all natural childbirth. :)
2006-10-27 21:36:30 · answer #4 · answered by Boop 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋