Can an epidural not work?

Question

This is my first child. Just worried that I won't know that the epidural is not working.

Answer 1

Mine didn't work well at all. I was in so much pain and I kept telling the nurses that I wasn't numb at all, and they acted like I was full of it. They kept saying "Well, the epidural will stop the pain, but you'll still feel pressure, we can't do anything about that." I know the difference between pain and pressure, and let me tell you, that was pain. Once I started pushing it wasn't as bad- I'm assuming that's because I was working with the contractions rather than against them. I also had to have an episiotomy and being stitched up afterwards without anesthesia was pretty painful as well. I think the reason it didn't work for me was because it wasn't placed right. They did mention that I had a slight curvature of the spine, so that may have made it harder to place. Generally speaking, epidurals seem to work well for most people. A friend of mine had one with both of her kids and she never felt a thing. I just had a bad experience.

Answer 2

Um with mine they made my fiance (now husband) leave the room. And I had to hug a nurse that I didn't know for comfort. I wasn't too happy about it. But oh well. Anyways by that point I was in SOO much to really feel them putting the epidural in.But after delivery which was at 12:24 they said they would be in shortly to remove the catheter from my back. Well they didn't come until about 6 in the morning. It was highly uncomfortable. And when they took it out it hurt worse, or I noticed the pain more because I wasnt in labor anymore =D I think the large tape that is on your back is what hurt when getting it removed. Overall it was great though. I got my epidural at 6 cm's I believe, and 45 minutes after that (which that whole time I was able to nap) I was 9 1/2 and almost ready to deliver. I remember my hubby calling my parents, who had just left for McDonalds, to rush back or else they were going to miss delivery! It seemed like it helped speed along my labor, but it may have just been coincidence!

Answer 3

Yep. A friend of mine had that happen to her. I wanted one as soon as I got there, but I never had any natural contractions so they put me on Patocin and gave me on Demerol and something else. I was in labor for 12 hours before they gave me an emergency C-section. I never did get an epidural. I was terrified of what might happen and I realized something you know already, too. You will get through no matter what and you will start thinking of another after a while. The epidural will probably be fine, but regardless, YOU WILL DO FINE NO MATTER WHAT! I did and I was worried, too.

Answer 4

Yes the epidural can not work, it didn't work for me with my first one. I just had my second and did not get an epidural and it was so much easier pushing and everything went faster. But it is different for everyone!! If you can't stand the pain any longer, get the epidural because some of my friends have had it and they say it worked wonderfully for them.

Answer 5

Epidurals work most of the time. But, with my first daughter the first epidural didn't take-it only took on one side, so they had to do it again. If it is working you feel nothing from your waist down, if it isn't believe me you will know it.Good Luck to you and Congratulations on your new baby

Answer 6

i have had three babies and had an epidural every time. with my first it worked but i got it too soon and it wore off before the baby came. i had a cathader put where they did the epidural so that they could give me more if needed. with my third they gave me the epidural and i worked but only on my left side. i felt pain on my right side and it hurt so bad. congrats on being a new mom! labor might hurt but its all worth it in the end.

Answer 7

Yes, it can not work. This happened to a relative of mine.

And there will be no mistaking it if it is not working - you will know!!!

I had no problems with my epidurals for both of my kids. Dont worry. For most people, they work wonderfully.

Answer 8

My epidural worked with in minutes. I had a c-section that I was WIDE awake for. Trust your doctor, it will work and you will be fine. Good luck.

Answer 9

YES, The spaces in my back were not right for it... the first time the fluid just made a bubble under my skin... I complained they told me I was crazy.. the doc tried 7 more times before I had a C-section.. but with all medical procedures some may not work well on all people...

Answer 10

Ummmmmmmmmmmm if your epidural isn't working, YOU WILL KNOW IT! My epidural only "took" on one side with my third, which is not uncommon, and there was NO DOUBT.