To epidural or not?

I was on the hormone drip which made my contractions so bad and come on so quickly so I wanted an epidural but it didn’t actually work! 🫠 i wish I didn’t bother looking back but I totally get why people get them and who knows next time I might try again but I will try without as I know I did it before without anything! I didn’t want anything else because I didn’t want to feel spaced out either I wanted to be in the moment!

My first epidural was not the best, but I think it was because I had a back to baby and the back pain was still intense. After birth I suffered back pain for 2 years. Second pregnancy I had epidural again and it was perfect. No problems at all, worked a treat, and no back pain post birth. The biggest challenge with epidural is pushing, because you have nothing to push. First pregnancy pushed 2 hours second 3! But I would have another one again for sure

I didn’t have an epidural for either of my first two births, I was adamant going into this one that I would not have one but I felt I needed it when I got to it. The actual epidural being done was a good experience, the anaesthetist was great and went at a good pace and regularly checked in on me, I was induced and the contractions ramped up very quickly and were very intense. Baby was also in a funny position and had to have forceps to get him here in the end as well as an episiotomy so was glad I had it at that point, I do wonder though if it’s some of the reason I wasn’t able to push him out but guess I won’t ever know

My epidural with my first didn't work completely so I was topping up with gas & air, I could still feel my contractions and they were still painful, but much less so. I had been told that it's a possibility that it doesn't provide complete pain relief so I didn't question it, but then when the anaesthetist came back to see me before going to theatre (forceps delivery) he seemed annoyed with me that I'd been putting up with an incomplete block! I didn't like not being able to be mobile. I could still change position in the bed with the midwife's help but wasn't able to get up and move around the room. I don't know if it's the same everywhere, but I had a "boost" function on mine where every however many minutes I could temporarily increase the dose (patient-controlled analgesia or PCA) - I don't remember whether this actually seemed to work 😅 I don't think it made me feel any more spaced out - I was already pretty spaced out from like 40 hours with no solid sleep by the time I had the epidural 🫠

I was induced with mine, had the hormone drip & it was soooo intense really quick. Opted for epidural and so glad I did! It changed the whole environment, really calming I slept most the time while I was contracting. It did start to wear off while I was having stitches but this was my first baby so pushing for nearly 2 hours. Would definitely have another one if needed x

Personally, I hate the thought of the epidural, I would rather pain than have something jabbed in my back. I had gas and air and pethidine, he came really quick though so not sure it really took effect! But at least I could walk after. The feeling of him coming out, particularly the legs is so unique that I’ll never forget it and I don’t think you’d feel that with an epidural! X

I had asked for one with my first, and the anaesthetist who did it, did it poorly and it became a spinal tap, so zero feeling, which i was very grateful for at the time because I was exhausted having been awake for 35 hours or so, so I slept. But it resulted in me having a headache for 11 days after delivery unless I was horizontal. Not a great start BUT at that point in labour having been on the drip I was very pleased. Everyone is saying 2nd will be faster so I'm aiming not to have one but we'll see!

I had one with my first and it took all feel away, so when they were telling me to push on a contraction I had no idea when this was or if I was doing it right. But in term of pain relief it was brilliant. Just had my second today, didn’t want an epidural as I want to feel a bit more this time round. Ended up so quick at hospital there was not time for anything but gas and air. I was looking into remifentanil this time round instead.

My epidural was AMAZING! If you need a positive story I can give you all the details - I’m a needle phobe so I had to really mentally prepare myself but it was just such a pleasant, chilled out experience, nothing like what I thought birth would be like ❤️ all the positives, none of the pain. I did so much research about them too, so I’m happy to give you the low down (I won’t clog up your post with lots of comments going on and on!)

I had the hormone drip, pessary, pethidine, gas and air, all “pain relief” was shite, after 16+ hours of inactive labour and contracting every 1-2 mins I was done. I asked for the epidural.

I was terrified of getting one but cannot speak highly of it enough. I felt ZERO pain, just pressure. Like, I’ve taken 💩s that have been more painful that giving birth. And even getting it put in just felt like a pinch- not like a needle at all. It’s quite possibly the best drug ever.

@Emma exactly the same happened to me. It didn't work and meant I had to stay in the hospital longer after birth! Would rather have just not had it and gotten home quicker.

I loved my epidural, I was in a right state before hand and afterwards I told the anaesthetist that I wanted to kiss him 😂 worked perfectly for me

So many unhelpful comments. OP said, “What was your experience with an epidural?” If you didn’t have an epidural, you don’t have an experience with an epidural, and you need to sit this post out.

I had one with my second. By the time I got to the hospital I was 8cm and feeling completely out of control after the 40 minute car journey there. I naively thought it would take all the pain away but as I was so far along it just took the edge off. I still needed gas and air but it was enough to get me back in control. (In hindsight I do wonder if getting into the birthing pool would have been the better option though). I could still walk and move around with assistance. Only had it a few hours as I’d been fully dilated a while but my baby wasn’t moving down, so they turned the epidural off AND put the hormone drip on 😅

@Selena I only see one comment from someone who hasn't had one?

@Amaya yeah literally! And like the midwife said to me at least you know you can do it!

The injection is not painful but if you're in established labour, you have to keep still to avoid the risk of paralysis. You literally cannot feel anything from waist down and it takes up to a few days for it to wear off. They will also have to put a catheter in as well you may have to rely on others to hand the baby to you. Just pointing things out 😊

Best Decision for me. I thought labour pains would end me cos I was induced

Mine was a really positive experience and I could still feel when to push (but know this is different for everyone). Also meant I could have it topped up when I had complications after birth. I was up and about within 12 hours of birth. It seems it is different for wherever you are in terms of mobility and catheterisation as I only had one put in after it was topped up for theatre.

@Jelena Not bitter. Just seasoned. 💅

I didn’t plan on getting one but the pain was unbearable for me. Best thing I did! Almost felt like I was cheating. I was watching movies and reading while dilating. I was having natural contractions about 5/6 every 10 mins. No way I could have done without.

I've had births with and without and I'd opt out. I didn't like the feet of it going in my spine