Scared of Needles, other options than Epidural?

Question

What other options are there to the epidural. I know that there is NO WAY that I would be able to sit still with out some one litereally holding me down. I joke with my baby's dad that I will end up paralyzed (him and I are no longer together) if I try to get an epidrual.

I didn't ask for your Opinion (Jon A) about things that have happened in my life. I asked a question about OTHER forms of medication to help with the pain. Don't feel sorry for my child, he will be MORE loved than most kids are. That goes for anyone else that wants to comment on the fact that I am alone and doing this...don't, it is un called for and un needed.

Answer 1

Yes, there are other options than epiderals. There are some pain meds that just take the edge off the contractions. There are some that also help you catch a little bit of shut eye in between contractions. You definately don't have to jump into getting an epidural, but just remember once your in labor, and your going through that pain, you probably won't even think about a needle in your back! And, you also want to remember that any other kinds of medication they give you are probably going to be through and IV. That would be a needle too, are you prepared for that? There are also ways to relieve pain, without actually taking any medication. Water births can help relax and sooth your body some. Also there are doulas that can help you get through the pain. Ask your doctor as well, I am sure that they know more options than we can give you!

I am petrified of needles too, so I feel your pain on this one. But just take a deep breath, relax, and remember that when its all over you will have a beautiful baby to love! BEST OF LUCK! :-)

p.s. don't listen to people making nasty remarks, they aren't worth your time or energy.

Answer 2

There are some drugs that are available. Based on what other woman have said about them, they did nothing much for pain but did make them loopy. It is certainly an option. Stadahl

Contact the head nurse in advance about how to deal with needle phobia. My Mom has that as well, but she got over it sort of. At least she no longer faints. I go through periods when I get nauseous just seeing a needle, so I just tell them that I have a mild needle phobia and they work accordingly.

Nobody likes needles, but you are going to get your share when you have a baby in a hospital!

Answer 3

I have the same fear! I have decided to get a Doula. It is a birthing coach that compliments you and your husband and will act as moral, physical and mental support. She knows age-old techniques that help soothe the mother. In fact Doulas and Midwifes significantly reduce the need for pain medication, cutting the perineum, and c sections. I have heard that most pregnant women get IV's upon checking in and that you can get a pain medication through the IV that just tones down the pain a bit, but doesnt last long and does not make you numb. Also, water births reduce the amount of stress on the body and have a high success rate of pain medication-free births.

Answer 4

No need to worry, the doc will usually give you a local anesthetic before using the big scary needle. That way its not as painful as it looks.

If you're really open to other options, then I suggest trying HypnoBirthing. I think you'll find that it is the best decision that you could make for you and your baby through your delivery.

Answer 5

I have an epidural. It doesn't hurt at all. Or if it did I didn't feel it because of the labor pains. The relief you will feel is awesome. You will be glad to get one.
And just because some women think that they can spuat and go on about there day in other countries doesn't mean people here do.

Answer 6

with my first i used a tens machine, gas and air and pethadine (in usa i think they use/call it morphine) i am also majorly scared of needles (due to the amount of times they stick a needle in me to get blood as its hard to find my veins and hen they do they like to collapse and it becomes v painful). anyway with my first after trying all that stuff and non of it took the pain of enough i was crying for an epidural (although i didnt get 1 it was too late as i was too dialated). anyway this time round i am definatly having one (been told having another huge baby) . i am going to write it down in my birth plan i want one i am also going to put down my fear of needles and i want all the support i can get to get me through the needle thing. i am also in a couple of weeks talk through my pain releif options with my midwife. i suggest your talk through with your midwife/ obgyn ur fears and alternative options. there are plenty of pain relief methods out there such as what i had, or theres water birth, hypnotism, yoga, reflexology etc like i say discus with ur health care provider.

Answer 7

At the point where you are looking for an epidural you wont care about the needle lol! Don't look at it when they come..and they are going to put it in behind you so you wont see that either..plus you'll probably have an IV in your arm/hand!

Answer 8

natural childbirth pretty much means no needles at all!!! you should do some reading up on different things

the thinking woman's guide to a better birth tells all different types of pain management options as well as the risks and advantages to having them.
http://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Womans-Guide-Better-Birth/dp/0399525173/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-1749638-7522334?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1189304538&sr=8-1

Answer 9

i have the biggest fear of needles i always cry when it comes to havin an injection but trust me ive had an epidural and i didnt want 1 to start with but the pain was to much for me to bear and all you feel is a prick where they numb ot to start with other then that you cant feel n e thing

Answer 10

if you're in pain enought to get to the point of needing a giant needle shoved into your spine, trust me...it won't feel as bad as the pain your going through to make you want one.

My mom had one and she said it hurt but it was way better than actually having to feel the rest of it. She was in labor with me for 24 hours and they had to use forceps and the vacuum to get me out...she was in drug heaven, and was glad she didn't have to feel any of that, and she too was scared of the giant needle (and she was a nurse)