is my husband allowed in the room when they give me the epidural?

Question

i want him there for support so im hoping its a yes or i might just skip out on that..
and also...i've never had an IV...i've heard it hurts more than getting your blood drawn, but can you feel it once its in?
Also, do you get a catheter to go to the bathroom while in labor...and does that hurt(im really scared of that)?

*I know everyone is going to say that the IV pain is going to be the least of my worrys when im in labor...but i really dont like needles so i just want to know what to expect.

Answer 1

If you have an epidural, the catheter will not hurt - because that area will be numb. Often (not always, but they sure did in my case) they wait for the numbing to start and then catheterize you...but even if they do it first - the numbing happens pretty quickly, and you're oblivious to it after that.

My husband was there when they gave me the epidural...the anaesthetist came in to my birthing room, hooked me up, then went on his merry way.

An IV is only mildly uncomfortable...more of a slight annoyance than anything.

Answer 2

Yes your husband can be in the room, I had 2 people in the room w/ me when I got my epidural. The IV didn't really hurt much, I'd say it feels the same as it does when they poke you for blood, but it feels a little cold at first when the fluids just start to go in, after that, you don't notice or feel anything. I had to have a catheter put in w/ my epidural, it's probably very common, since you don't have feeling down there to know when you have to go to the bathroom & because you won't be able to get up & walk around w/ an epidural. I didn't feel the catheter because I was already numb from the epidural (they'll do that before they put the catheter in so you won't feel it).

Answer 3

Yes you can have your husband in the room for the epidural. It never bothered me to have an iv put in. Sometimes they'll numb you first before the put it in and it make it a lot easier. Yes you will be able to feel the iv while it's in but you'll forget about it once you're in labor. You also get a catheter when you have an epidural. They will take it out before you start pushing though. With the epidural you won't even know it's there. They only give it to you after the meds from the epidural take effect so you won't feel it go in either.

Hope that helps good luck to you!

Mom of 3.

Answer 4

Yes, your husband will be allowed in the delivery room and when you get everything done that the doctor requests done. It does not hurt any worse getting a shot or blood drawn. More than likely you will have a catheter and you really don't feel it, and if you do, it will be like a little pinch at first (that is without meds). Since you don't like needles, when you get the IV, turn your head so you don't see it going in and talk to your husband and that way you don't really notice the IV going in. One thing I have noticed, it is better to have the IV in the arm that you don't use as much (like if you are right handed then have it in your left arm and if you are left handed have it in your right arm) that way it is easier to move your other arm and you don't hurt yourself from the IV. When you get the epidural, you do have to sit up and lean forward, so it is better to lean your head on someone to support you.

Answer 5

You re hubby should be allowed to be in the room, mine was, and Ive never heard of a hospital refusing that. The IV really isn't that bad, and after its in, you don't even feel it. There are so many other things that you'll be paying attention to, you almost forget about it. As far as the catheter, just as everyone else has said, its usually given after the epidural, and you don't feel a thing... I had to have a catheter AGAIN after my son was born, because I wasn't able to pee right away, and I was terrified to have one without any numbing at all, and to be completely honest, it really wasn't painful at all, just a little weird and uncomfortable lol. Just relax, I'm not big on needles myself, but when I went into labor, the needles were the last thing I was worried about!

Answer 6

I had a c section and my hubby wasn't in the room for the epidural. I had my catheter put in after the epidural. I'd recommend doing it that way. When they take it out it doesn't hurt. The IV isn't bad. Especially if you get someone who is really good at it. I don't like needles either but my entire experience was really less painful that I imagined. Ok, except for the c section recovery. But like everyone says it is soooooo worth it of course and you forget about the pain right away. The way I looked at it when I was pregnant was, ok no matter how bad it might be it's one day of my life. Good luck and try to relax!

Answer 7

Take a deep breath. It sound like you're over thinking, which is causing you to stress!

IV's are not painful for more than the two seconds it takes to put them in, same with the catheter. And you have no choice so you may as well just get over the fact that it's going to happen wether you like it or not. Sorry if that sounds harsh, but it's true.

You'll be happy to get the pain meds once the time comes, suck it up!

Best of luck

Answer 8

Some hospitals may not enable any household contributors in in case they go out, or they over react to the obstacle - simply name and ask (you'll even ask anonymously if you're embarrassed through asking) You must be nonetheless throughout an epidural so a few hospitals opt for a nurse or two to help you in order that they are able to bodily restrain you when you transfer (considering that they're installed throughout a contraction) a lot greater than a partner might. Good good fortune

Answer 9

Yes he can be there. Usually the catheter is placed after a epidural so you won't feel them insert it and they take it out right after delivery so you won't feel that either cause the epidural takes a bit to wear off.

Iv to me are no worse than blood drawn unless you have difficult or har veins. If you blood is drawn easily and they never miss then a IV should be ok.

I always had my BF there as support through all procedures so it helps but I have no huge fear of needles.

Answer 10

IV's aren't painless, but the pain is very short-lived. It feels like a pin prick for a few seconds and then it just kinda disappears. =) They tape it on your skin so it doesn't move and you honestly forget that it's there. I promise!

The epidural is much different- it was more scarey for me because I was scared of the actual risks involved, like them messing with my spinal cord. Your husband can be there, most likely he will be directly in front of you, you hugging a pillow and arching your back while staying completely still while the person delivers the medicine. He can hug you, or hold your head, whatever would make you feel safe. =)

I didn't have a catheter put in...I've had two deliveries, both vaginal. One with an epidural, one without and neither one required a catheter. I haven't heard of anyone getting one for a birth.

Hope that helps hon, good luck!!