did the epidural hurt?

Question

did it hurt or what did it feel like? did anything go wrong after?? did you see the needle...i am terified of needles but dont think i can go trough labor without something!

Answer 1

There are other options besides the epidural, but to answer your question....for my 1st child I had an epidural and it couldn't have gone any smoother, no pain, I was in heaven....BUT my 2nd.....the anestegiologist really F'd me up! I had to have a "mini" surgery on my spine after I had the baby b/c he missed where he was supposed to put the epi...and that did hurt like hell, and 'til this day I still have some pains in my lower back ever so often.

I don't want to scare you, I just want you to be informed that there is always a chance of something going wrong, especially when it comes to your spine. So be careful and don't be afraid to ask questions.

**And if u do get it, def. do not look at the needle, you'll freak!** : )

Answer 2

I was lucky, I had an awesome anaesthesiologist who got the needle in the first try. For me, he put some local numbing stuff on first, then stuck the needle in, so I didn't feel the pinprick of it.

One thing that can be a problem while trying to get the epidural applied is your contractions...if you know you want an epidural, try to get it sooner in the labor process rather than later (i.e. don't wait til the last minute), because every contraction makes your body cringe - and you have to sit perfectly still for the epidural needle to go in well. If your contractions are too close together, you won't be able to sit still long enough for the epidural to be inserted.

Normally they'll have you sit on the edge of the bed with your legs hanging off, and bent over forward so that the discs of your spine will spread apart a bit. The needle goes in between the discs, into your spinal column.

If you have a partner there, it makes it easier if you can hang onto his/her neck while this happens, and doing so can also help you distract yourself if you're scared of the needle.

Good luck!

The epidural will generally make you numb from bellybutton down to your knees. You might need some help afterward if you have to make a trip to the bathroom or want to walk around during labor, because you won't feel your legs much.

Answer 3

By the time I asked for the epidural I was in so much labor pain that I didn't care what was going on. It didn't hurt too much and I didn't have any pain after. There was a weird stretching feeling around the injection site that was a little uncomfortable, but nothing too bad.
Give laboring a shot, don't just jump into the epidural. It can hinder labor progression and you may be surprised with how well you deal with the pain. It may not even be necessary.
I had my first two boys without any drugs and was so happy with the decision. With my last one my labor was induced and I was not dilating as I should have so I went with the epidural.

Answer 4

An epidural is not bad. When I was in labor I was ready for one because the contractions hurt so bad. I was in so much pain, when they did give it to me I didn't feel it. I didn't see the needle. I think you will be fine. So many people try to scare you but it will be okay.

Answer 5

I found that the epidural was less painful than the IV. They numb your back before putting the epidural in. I had no complications. The most common complication is that it can slow down labor. I am so glad I did it! The only thing i would have changed is to get the epidural sooner.

Answer 6

the truth, yes it hurt, it feels like a very sharp pinch going into your lower back. I never saw the needle for either of my deliveries. I didn't have any problems after I recommed epidurals to everyone I know I wouldn't want to do it without one. Anyone who can go them because I so couldn't Good Luck and God Bless

Answer 7

I got the epidural and it hurt like hell. It took the guy 20 minutes to get the needle in and he also had to stab me twice. It hurt but so does the contractions. My best advice is to see if you can handle to contraction. If you cant after you are 4 cm dilated then get the epidural. GOOD LUCK and remember to breathe and relax.

Answer 8

Ive had three children and my last child i decided to have an epidural. At first there is a pinch then there is a lot of pressure, it was actually quite uncomfortable, but when it was in it was done. I just closed my eyes and breathed deeply and told myself this would pass, it will be over soon and kept my mind on delivering that baby!! It was the easiest most painless delivery ever!!! I highly recommend one!!

Answer 9

I didn't see the needle at all. All I felt was a slight pinch..like if you quickly pinch the skin on your hand with your nails. It went away quickly. It really didn't hurt. And that's because, as they are inserting the needle, a numbing medication is being released from the needle. I haven't had any side effects from it. No headaches...no backaches...no nothing. It made me feel blissfully happy during labor! It is definitely worth it!!

Answer 10

Believe me with the pain of child-birth, nothing else can hurt..
You have to be as still as possible,in a bent over sitting position when it is being injected. Then you will feel a little pressure on your back when it is inserted. You will feel something cool going into your back, then instant relief. Don't worry you will have nurses helping you all the way though.
You will have your biggest gift and feeling of fulfillment when they give you your baby for the first time.