I'm 35 weeks pregnant and next week at my check-up my doctor is going to check my cervix. I really want an epidural and I'm so afraid that something is going to happen and when my water breaks I'm going to be too dialated to get an epidural .. how far along is too far along for an epidural?
Has anyone ever had their water break and at that point be too far along for an epidural?
thanks ..
2007-06-07 09:48:51 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Oh hun when my water broke is when I needed some pain reliever so they gave me demerol. That wasn't enough and I was only like 2cm dialated so I got an epidural at about 7cm. Although it took me 4 hours to go from 9-10cm so I think it was good enough timing. You get one when you can't tolerate the pain anymore. Not when your 9cm but maybe when your like 6 I would say. Good luck with that, I would never go thru labor without one now that i've had one!
2007-06-07 09:53:51 · answer #1 · answered by Mommy of two :) 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is a lot of debate on that question. Wouldn't hurt to talk to your Doc. about his limit so to speak. Do you know the reason why they refuse meds when you are dilated to much? The reason is so you aren't to numb to feel to push when its time to. Which would land you in the operating room with a c-section. My Doc. won't after 5 cen. but it takes a while to get that far for most people. There is a book called What to expect when your expecting and it answers a lot of questions like the one you asked. If you don't have a copy you may want to get one or check at your local book store for info. on pain meds for labor. Educate your self on the topic so you can talk to your Doc. about it and know what is acceptable and what is not... I wouldn't worry yourself sick over it honey. Make sure you let Doc. that you intend on getting epidural and when you go into the hospital for labor tell the nurse you would like you epidural as soon as possible because some times they have to call an anesthesiologist... Hope that helps! Hugs
2007-06-07 10:21:52 · answer #2 · answered by Jacqueline 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it is 7 or 8 but every1 is different so4you let it depend on how fast the labor is proogressing. I heard some1 say they was7 but it took them 4 hours2get2 9 or 10centimeters so that was fine4her. See my docs were stupid cuz I went from 4 centimeters to7 very quickly (about an hr and a half to 2hrs) and they let me take it at7 and once I got to 10(which was in about an hr and a half later) I was so numb I couldnt feel anything to push. My baby could have been out about2hrs quicker if I would of felt enough2push. So I would say if u not in excrutiating pain by 7dont take it because you not gonna be able to feel anything and they gonna end up cuttin you(episiotomy) but if the labor is moving very slowly and you still got pain take it but ask if you can take a little bit if they can even do that. Good Luck!!!! and congrats
2007-06-07 10:30:20 · answer #3 · answered by m m 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
At my hospital, there is no time that is too late. We will give them even if you are completely dilated - however, the anesthesiologist will not perform one if the woman is pushing and can't control it, because the baby will likely be born before the epidural has time to take effect.
You should ask your physician what the policy is at the hospital you will be delivering at, and if they say there is a cutoff that is before 10cm ask them why they have that policy - don't just always take no for an answer. Always ask why!
But don't worry. It sounds like this is first baby? You won't suddenly dilate to 10 cm and miss your opportunity.
2007-06-07 10:01:40 · answer #4 · answered by Take A Test! 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe 7cm is the most you should be. Most women do not have to worry about it though, although with my last two I walked in at 10cm but I did not want an epidural anyway. I just wanted a fast delivery and that is what I got.
2007-06-07 09:56:26 · answer #5 · answered by PinUpGal 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was dialated to 7 cm when I got my epidural, after that it went quick
2007-06-07 10:11:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Um.. The doctors told me it's NEVER too late for the epidural so I don't know what the heck everyone is talking about.
2007-06-07 10:04:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
With my first my water had not broke yet, but I was complaining to the nurse and she kept blowing me off and saying "oh your just a first time mom" by the time she checked me I was at 7 and it was too late, I was NOT happy.
With my second I was induced and as soon as the doctor broke my water I asked for one, it was sooo much better, I even teased my husband I was leaving him for the anesthesiologist LOL
Once your water is broke, they wont send you home so ask for it then, or just demand they check you. The doctor had to break my water with my first so I was dilating at 7+ ad it had not broke, now I advise every woman to just get mean about it, I wish I would have spoke up and made her check me.
2007-06-07 09:58:06 · answer #8 · answered by Miss Coffee 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it is VERY few women who make it to the hospital "too late" the longest part of labor is from 1-5 cm...and I think too late for an epidural would be 8 or more....especially if this is your first..you'll have plenty of time...don't worry about it...you will be dilating about 1 cm per hour..so it's not as fast as you would think!!!
2007-06-07 09:55:25 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I went to the hospital and they told me I was too far. When I got there I was 8 centimeters. One hour later I had my son.
Trust me I wanted one but by the time you get to 8 centimers, hey what's another couple.
:)
2007-06-07 10:54:33 · answer #10 · answered by momto1 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋