Also, do they give you anything before the epidural?
2007-02-22 07:54:10 · 14 answers · asked by lysistrata411 6 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
I'm also wondering what if anything they give you before the epidural because someone told me demerol? Is that true?!
2007-02-22 08:00:16 · update #1
All doctors are different as to when they give the epidural....most of them though will not give it to you until you are at least 3 centimeters and won't give anything after 7. They will numb the skin around where they stick the needle...it does hurt but trust me no where near the pain of labor.
And yes you can get IV drugs before you get the epidural...they gave me nubain with my last daughter but it worked wonders....at least it took the edge off anyway
2007-02-22 08:00:30 · answer #1 · answered by mom2ace 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They cant make you. They cant even give you an IV unless you allow them. Doctors and nurses are notorious for bullying laboring mothers into medications and procedures they dont want or need. They love pushing epis because it generally means they can turn around and push pitocin because epidurals slow your progress. Then you need more of the epidural because the pitocin causes more pain, both cause fetal distress, and eventually they may get to do a c-section, which is what a OB loves the most. OB's are SURGEONS, not regular doctors. They are not trained in medical school in live normal unmedicated unmessed with vaginal deliveries. They are trained in how to intervene and deliver baby's through c-section, and how to deal with complications. Tell the doctor no. I'd never go to a doctor in the first place let alone three times. Cant you birth at a hospital that has midwives and better more natural techniques? You can still get the epi if you want it, but they wont push it on you, they'll support your birth plan. Either way, tell them no.
2016-05-23 23:42:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every hospital has a policy about epidurals - mine was when you are at 4 CM dialated, you can get it. You didnt get anything for pain before the epidural. When you do the hospital tour, ask what their policy is.
And I dont know about everyone else, but my epidural didnt hurt...at all. A giant needle went into my back and it didnt hurt at all.
Also, the longer you can wait, the better. If you get the epidural too early, your chance of needing a C-section is increased dramatically. So wait it out if you can, but not too long or you can't get one at all.
2007-02-22 08:00:13 · answer #3 · answered by Erin 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Check with the hospital policy. Also, ask to speak the the anesthesiologists on staff. They may have prefrences about what they offer. Mine was reluctant to give an epidural and tried shots (several before relenting and giving me the epidural, which was a horrible mess, but a different story, lol) first. Just ask! Best of luck.
2007-02-22 08:09:16 · answer #4 · answered by duckygrl21 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Usually they wont give an epidural untill your water has broken, and you are around 4-7cm dialated.. As for the pain medicine they can give to help take the edge off ask them about nubaine I think that is how you spell it. I was given it to help with the pain untill I could recieve the epidural "which never happened labor progressed to quickly" and it helped so much it only lasted for about 30 mins. but it was relief..... Best Of Luck.....
2007-02-22 08:57:47 · answer #5 · answered by auntietawnie 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think they wait until you're dilated a few centimeters. I remember asking for it as soon as I got to the hospital and the nurses said they'd have to wait and see how far along I was first. An epidural slows down the dilation process so they won't give it too early. They may wait until your 4 or 5 cm but check with a nurse or doctor.
2007-02-22 07:58:51 · answer #6 · answered by superwoman 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i got my epidural at 5 cm. I think all hospitals will be different. My doctor did not give me any other medication except the epidural. I think if you wanted to try something else before that you can. you will have to check with your doctor to be sure. Congratulations on the new baby.
2007-02-22 08:17:40 · answer #7 · answered by mamaof2 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was dialated to a 6.5 - 7 when I got checked in....they asked if they could break my water and I said as long as I could still have my epidural.....they said yes.....so did I...but if I knew it was going to take the guy 45 minutes to get there with my epidural I would have waited to break my water.
Long story short, once you are dialated enough, it just depends on how busy the epidural guy is......
2007-02-22 08:04:39 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Once you get to the hospital and they check you they will ask you your pain level. It really depends on your tolerance for pain. I got one at 7cm with my first, 4cm with my second, and never got one with my third. I asked for one, but the anethesiologist was in two back to back c-sections. My labor and deliveries go really fast so, he never made it in. Keep and open mind, but if you do want one and you are moving quickly, don't wait to long to ask. There are other forms of pain relief, you should do your research before you have your baby. Generally, if you only have an epidural, they do not give you anything prior.
2007-02-22 08:22:33 · answer #9 · answered by mom3x 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not exactly sure about the timings but they give you a shot/jag before the epidural , which numbs the area with anesthetic, so aparantly my midwife told me that is all you feel, because you are then numb in the area the epidural goes in you do not actually feel it going in
:)
2007-02-22 07:59:45 · answer #10 · answered by kimberley123 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋