38 weeks Pregnant?

Question

I am 38 weeks pregnant. And I am scared to death to get an epidural. So does anyone have any GOOD information on the "epidural".

Answer 1

I have had 3 epidurals with all three of my kids. When they start, they will numb the spot that they are going to sick the needle in. You will feel a little poke, like getting a shot. You shouldn't feel the actual epidural needle go in. Then you will feel some pressure as they are inserting the needle. It doesn't go in far, just into the epidual space between the vertebre. Then they introduce a flexible catheter through that needle into the space and give you a loading dose of numbing meds. That will make your legs feel kinda tingly at first then they should start to go numb. They remove the needle and tape the catheter into place. It's really not that bad, very uncomfortable, but shouldn't be at all painful.

Answer 2

I got an epidural during my labor and had no problems whatsoever during or after the procedure. I was very scared, being that I was only 15 years old at the time, but as long as you make sure you have a good anestegiologst (sp? I know that's incorrect.) everything should be fine. There's about a 1 in a million chance of side effects afterwards, my sister was one of those in a million for her first child, but she is perfectly fine now (7 years later) and again had an epidural with her second child 2 years ago and no complications at all. They do the epidural in timing with your contraction and trust me, the labor pains are far worse than the pain of that needle by a long run, lol. I suggest doing a lot of research, which I am sure you already have, but it's honestly YOUR decision.

Answer 3

I was scared to death too, but it sounds a lot worse than it really is. As with any other form of anesthesia, there are risks. I causes a sudden drop in blood pressure in about 1% of women, but the problem is almost always treated effectively.
They do not give you the epidural until you are in the 3rd stage of labor. By that time, you are in so much pain that you don't even notice the needle in your back.
It can also, slow your contractions. This happened to me. In that case, they will add oxytocin (sp?) to your IV to speed up the contractions. It really was not a huge problem. I was able to deliver on the next contraction before the oxytocin even kicked in. You will just need to push harder, which is easier said than done when you cannot feel anything from the waist down.

Answer 4

I had epidurals with both of my children, it was a God send. After you feel the contractions and its so bad you can't stand it anymore, you won't care what it takes to make the pain stop and a little catheter in your back that takes it all away doesn't matter. And you don't have to get an epidural, there are plenty of other pain meds out there. Here is a link that has alot of info, good and bad. Good Luck!

Answer 5

I f you don't want one, Don't have one. When I was in labour the midwife told the gynaecologist that I was going to be one of the difficult ones and was refusing the epidural. I was treated like some kind of idiot. I actually enjoyed the feeling of the baby crowning and wouldn't for go it unless absolutely necessary!! I have had 3 vaginal births and only had a small amount of gas for my 2nd. It really is something I feel women should experience without epidurals as my friend had an epidural and said she didn't feel a thing. :(

Answer 6

I only have bad info because of what my friend went through..I had all 3 of mine natural, but it sounds like you really want this epidural. Im sure you wouldnt even feel the needle going in because the contractions are worse I would guess. So if that is what you are worried about then dont. Otherwise try it natural and if you absolutely cant take it then get one.

Answer 7

Good information? No. Personal story, yes.

The thing about epidurals is that they dont just make you not care about your pain, like demerol. They take away the pain. Really. Completely. They are amazing things, and they are often given between contractions when you could care less what's happening to you. lol

Actually, they deadened my back before the cath went in, and it did feel a bit like hitting your funny bone... kinda electric or something... but it was over very quickly and the relief was instant. Very worth it.

I find when you're freaking out about labor, delivery, anything like that--you should think about all the wussy women you know that have had babies and done just fine... Pamela Anderson, Britney Spears... lol

Answer 8

I'm a guy so I have not gone thru it but my wife did and I was there. Her contractions were too much for her to handle and she was "begging" for the epidural... let me tell you the procedure was very simple and quick for her. They even had a med student there to observe and make notes and it was all over within a few minutes. Don't worry about it. It maybe that you won't need one. Many people have natural births.

Answer 9

My friend loved the epidural, she could still tell she was having contractions but didn't have the full pain of labor. I would suggest looking up the clinical facts online and maybe asking your friends that have had them.

Answer 10

Medical Risks of Epidural Anesthesia During Childbirth
http://www.healing-arts.org/mehl-madrona/mmepidural.htm

Reported Side Effects of Epidural Anesthesia
Compiled by Vicki Elson, CCE
http://www.childbirth.org/articles/sideeppi.html

The effects of maternal epidural anesthesia on neonatal behavior during the first month.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=1451936

copy of an Epidural Consent Form
http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/epdrlrsk.html