how soon after i begin labor can i get an epidural?

Question

???? right when i arrive???
how soon where u given the option to have one?

Answer 1

You don't have much time from your water breaking to it being too late for a epidural. You need to decide prior to giving birth if you want natural or not. I had a epidural and it did not work, ended up having to go C-section, but I was cutting it close in getting the shot.

Answer 2

I'm sure they cant refuse to give you an epidural at any time during labor, but they can strongly suggest if it were necessary or not, I got to 6 cm 1 hr and a half into my labor, That was when the pain was getting pretty bad, but I stood up and stayed standing and he was born in half an hour. I didn't have an epi with either of my boys because I wanted to stand and keep Mobil to move the process along, and It worked my first labor was 4 hrs and my second was 2 hrs.

Answer 3

usually after 4-5cm as any earlier can stall your labour and result in a c-section. But no later than 7cm or its pointless because you're nearly there.
Give your body a chance to see how it goes. You might only have an 8hr labour without meds. Just think, thats only a third of a day.

Answer 4

Right when you hit 4 cm then you get the option but if you never hit 4 cm and you have to have a c-section then thats when they also give you an option.

Answer 5

I received my epidural at 8 cm, because the anesthesiologist was in emergency surgery!

Answer 6

You are really scared of the pain I think. Don't sweat it so much. The first contractions are not that bad and usually they will give you one when you want it. At least that's how they did it with me. Don't worry so much, it's going to be ok.

Answer 7

4 hours when I was 4 cm dilated