Has anyone had pain medication aside from the Epi. during labor???

Question

I have bulged disks, which may make it impossible for me to have the epi. this time around. I'm not for any other drugs because they effect the baby, but I don't think I'm strong enough to do it naturally. Has anyone used any of the other drugs for pain management during labor? What would you suggest, and what would you advise against??

I thank everyone for their input!
I am definately leaning toward the water birth as my hospital does offer this, I'm just so afraid of natural labor. With my first i think I could have done it natural, I only asked for the epi once I knew that if I didn't get it then I wouldn't be able to get it, but with my second (she was face up instead of face down which caused terrible back labor) I was begging for it. I give so much credit to those who go it natural, I'm just terrified, and don't knwo if I can do it.

Answer 1

Bulging or 'slipped' discs are NOT a contraindication to receiving a labor epidural. I have placed hundreds of labor epidurals in women with this condition.I don't know who told you this, but you need to talk with your/an Anesthesiologist.

Answer 2

I didn't have an epidural with either of my labours as they freak me out! I only had a shot of pethedine towards the end of the labour (as it also helps speed up dilation) and pretty much stayed in the hot shower and used heat packs for most of the time.

I've heard that water births (being in the big tub) helps with pain during labour and delivery also. You could also try gas and air but that can make you vomit badly or a TENS machine which is like little electrodes connected to your body and shoots little pulses to combat pain.

You don't need an epidural to get through pain and Pethedine is your next best thing and although it can make bubs a little sleepy it is generally considered very safe to use. I would wait till about 7-8cm before having it.

Best of luck and believe in your bodies ability to manage the pain. Its really not all that bad and its only such a short time in your whole life.

Answer 3

I second the water. If you can't get in a tub, use a shower.
Get a doula. Many will volunteer for your birth just to put your birth towards their certification. Studies show that 60% of the women who use doula's do not request an epidural. 30% do not ask for other pain medications. They can show you many ways to help relieve labor.

If you are not familiar with doula's and what they do, here are some links to help you research:
http://www.hkjpaed.org/johnson/TouchInLabourAndInfancy/03.htm

http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/havingadoula.html
http://www.childbirth.org/doula123.html

Answer 4

Before I had my epidural with my first, I optioned for another pain medication administered via IV.. I am not sure what it was, but all it did was make me feel kinda 'high' I could still feel what was going on but I didn't care as much, lol.. I hope it will work for you, tho. =) Or I hope they are able to give you an epi if you do need it.
Good luck and gratz!

Answer 5

I used morphine. It made labour better (didnt' even feel myself tear!), I was able to sleep for abit in the beginning and did feel pain later on, but I was not alert like I wanted when the baby came out and was a little delerious still that evening

Answer 6

Hmmm, have you thought about a water birth? I have heard that it makes birth without pain management quite relaxing for the mother. Talk to your doctor. Good luck!

Answer 7

i found water helped ease labour pain (nice warm water) and i had the epi with my first but with my 2nd i only ha gas and air which was ok but it made me feel kinda drunk! i didnt want pethadine with either of kids coz i got told that you dont feel in control and i didnt want that.
The tens machine is ok too but doesnt help a great deal.

Answer 8

My friend had Nubane which works pretty good but you can only have it once every 3 hours and everytime they give it to you it is less effective.