2007-05-17 08:10:28 · 25 answers · asked by Debbie S 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
When I had my first son the nurses said I had to be 4 centimeters to get a epidural but if you have some cool nurses they will tell you to tell the epidural doctor that you are 4 centimeters dialated.
2007-05-17 08:16:56 · answer #1 · answered by lauralambeth76 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most Dr's won't give you an epidural till you're at least 4cm's. Some do it earlier.
An epidural can slow labor, which can cause Pitocin to be used, which can cause complications. So they generally won't give you one if they feel it's too early into the labor.
Practicing breathing techniques, relaxation techniques, checking into a doula (professional labor support) can all delay, or even take away the need for an epidural.
I've had three kids, pregnant with my fourth. I had an epidural with the first two, natural birth with the third. After having a natural birth, I know for sure natural birth is the way I'm going to go with my fourth!
2007-05-17 15:15:50 · answer #2 · answered by ksmomma3 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You do not have to dilated to any predetermined amount to have an epidural placed. According to the latest guidelines from the American Society of Anesthesiologists (and co-sponsored by the American Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology) the pregnant patient may request an epidural at any stage of dilation. A labor epidural DOES NOT slow the progress of labor, DOES NOT increase the chance of C-section and DOES NOT cause distress to the baby. These and other "old wives' tales" about labor epidurals have been and unfortunately will continue to be spouted by misinformed and ignorant lay people. Get the facts from your OB-GYN and the Obstetric Anesthesiologist at your hospital.
2007-05-17 21:13:39 · answer #3 · answered by samharveymd 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The ideal range is 4cm-6cm. Before that runs the risk of slowing labor (which remains a risk even after 4cm). After that and there is little time. Epidurals have a lot of risks involved, make sure that you know the risks before you decide. There is a risk of slowing labor, causing distress to the baby, not being able to push, increases risk of C-section, risk of infection from the catheter and the risk of emotional detachment from the birth (not the baby, just the experience of birth). There are more risks than these, an epidural is not a necessary part of labor, think through it before you decide.
2007-05-17 15:18:37 · answer #4 · answered by Momofthreeboys 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think they told me 4 cm. But I went from 2-8 in less then an hour. No epidural for me.
2007-05-17 15:15:23 · answer #5 · answered by Ashley 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no limit to what you have to be before getting the epidural. However, dont wait to long because once you get to a certiain dialation, they wont let you have one.
2007-05-17 15:18:11 · answer #6 · answered by Treyes 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At least 3 cm, but no more then 7 or 8 at the hospital I had my daughter.
2007-05-17 15:19:04 · answer #7 · answered by buggerhead 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
4 is when the excitement really starts to happen but they don't always give you an epideral till you are about 5. They get everything ready at 4 but they usually wait till 5. Any later than 6 or 7 they won't give you one at all.
2007-05-17 15:15:12 · answer #8 · answered by springlillycrystal 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe it is 4 cm and up until like 7 or 8 cm. Check with your doctor or hospital to find out their policies.
Good luck!
2007-05-17 15:16:00 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
3 to 4 cms with proper effacement
2007-05-17 15:14:11 · answer #10 · answered by dr_raj 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋