To epidural, or not to epidural....

chichila15 Posted: Feb 11, 2005 11:18 AM

To epidural, or not to epidural....

Past preggo's, and current moms-to-be: do you have any info (good or bad) about having an epidural? I know a couple of moms who swear by it, and some who are afraid of it.

I don't believe that there is a thread for drugs during pregnancy, so ANY and ALL info is greatly appreciated.

Dee7772 Posted: Feb 11, 2005 11:24 AM

Re: To epidural, or not to epidural....

I had an epidural and iknew I would even before I was pregnant. It didn't hurt and I was finally able to rest and get some sleep. If and when I do get pregnant again, and I am in labor, I will definatly get another one. I figure, why be in pain if I do not have to. I would rather get all the rest I can early on since you need it when you have to start pushing. That is just my opinion.

jantany26 Posted: Feb 11, 2005 11:27 AM

Re: To epidural, or not to epidural....

Wow, this is a very personal option. Before I gave birth, I said that I was not going to take drugs and be strong and brave and do it without. All that changed when the actual time came, and I have no regrets. I was relaxed, I could finally sleep and everything from that point was smooth sailing, so much so that the nurses said that I had an almost perfect delivery. Like I said, every person has a different level of what they can take and I believe that I took as much as I could and then i couldn't take it any longer.

JimmysBride Posted: Feb 11, 2005 11:31 AM

Re: To epidural, or not to epidural....

Epidural! Epidural! Epidural!

All the way, without question, no doubt in my mind.

Everyone I know who has had a baby recently has told me don't even think twice about it -- just get the epidural. So I definitely will.

My cousin who is a nurse got some demerol at first and totally regretted it. She said it was horrible. She still felt the pain of the contractions, but the drug made her feel inept and stupid... kinda like being drunk... but still feeling the pain. She said she would not recommend it at all. Then it wore off and she got the epidural.

StayandJohn Posted: Feb 11, 2005 11:32 AM

Re: To epidural, or not to epidural....

I'm going to have an epidural no doubt in my mind!

chichila15 Posted: Feb 11, 2005 11:38 AM

Re: To epidural, or not to epidural....

Is it a fact or myth that mom's who've gotten the epidural have back pains?

soon2bMrs Posted: Feb 11, 2005 11:45 AM

Re: To epidural, or not to epidural....

I am planning on having an epidural.

JimmysBride Posted: Feb 11, 2005 11:51 AM

Re: To epidural, or not to epidural....

Posted by chichila15

Is it a fact or myth that mom's who've gotten the epidural have back pains?

Back pains when? Later in life you mean? I dunno about that.

chichila15 Posted: Feb 11, 2005 11:54 AM

Re: To epidural, or not to epidural....

Posted by JimmysBride

Posted by chichila15

Is it a fact or myth that mom's who've gotten the epidural have back pains?

Back pains when? Later in life you mean? I dunno about that.

You know what? I don't even know... I just heard that it's one side effect (I'm assuming since they inject it right into ur spine).

kptoys Posted: Feb 11, 2005 11:58 AM

Re: To epidural, or not to epidural....

My DHs cousins wife had 2 kids without an epi and her 3rd with the epi. She had SEVERE back pain for weeks after. Granted it took 4 tries to get the epi in so I dont know if that had anything to do with it but I wouldnt leave a cathader in my back... personal choice!!

070502 Posted: Feb 11, 2005 12:00 PM

Re: To epidural, or not to epidural....

I have friends who recommend it and then other friends who 8 weeks post partum still have back/leg problems.

My hospital requires that I attend a class and make an informed decision you might want to look into if your does also because the hospital here won't give you one unless you took the class.

I've had a spinal before for knee surgery, I had a real bad problem with idopathic allergies and asthma and couldn't get knocked out and I remember my mom was terrified of me getting a spinal headache or it messing it my back.. it didn't, it's rare. IMO you don't get a special award for not getting an epidural so if I need it I will request one without worry.

You should really talk to your doctor or an anesthologist (sp?) or some type of professional they can give you alot more medically sound advice. I probably wouldn't ask a midwife though they seem to be (atleast IMO) more anti epidural.

dawnie Posted: Feb 11, 2005 12:37 PM

Re: To epidural, or not to epidural....

I am taking a Hypnobirthing class and I am going to try to not to have one. If I am dying and I need one I will without feeling like a failure. It is there if I need it.
I hate needles, especially the thought of a huge one going into my back. I hope the class will help me have reduced fear and help me relax a little. I will see what happens.

ambersmom Posted: Feb 11, 2005 01:03 PM

Re: To epidural, or not to epidural....

Posted by chichila15

Is it a fact or myth that mom's who've gotten the epidural have back pains?

I never had back issues but I had two epidurals (the 1st technician f'd up BAD) and now I have back pain almost constantly

What-Now Posted: Feb 11, 2005 01:54 PM

Re: To epidural, or not to epidural....

what do you mean: F'UP? wht went wrong?

chichila15 Posted: Feb 11, 2005 02:33 PM

Re: To epidural, or not to epidural....

That's what scares me... I know they are professionals and all, but they're human, too. They can/will make mistakes.

jantany26 Posted: Feb 11, 2005 02:54 PM

Re: To epidural, or not to epidural....

In my case, Like I told one I had one but my back is fine.

jillybean66 Posted: Feb 11, 2005 03:03 PM

Re: To epidural, or not to epidural....

I had an epidural and it was great - I really enjoyed my labor and delivery. The epidural did not hurt at all, and I have not had any back problems....my back was sore for a week afterwards, but I don't know if it was due to the epidural....I will definately get one next time!

ambersmom Posted: Feb 11, 2005 03:40 PM

Re: To epidural, or not to epidural....

Posted by WhatNow?

what do you mean: F'UP? wht went wrong?

Just that...the first epidural I swear was done by a trainee...she had no idea what she was doing and it took her forever. She numbed my legs but not the important parts. The second tech who did it was in and out in seconds and everything was fine...instant relief. I remember grabbing his hand and saying 'God bless you'. I've had back pain continually since that day. I can't stand for more than an hour without being in excruciating pain.

Monkeybride Posted: Feb 11, 2005 03:54 PM

Re: To epidural, or not to epidural....

My plan right now is to go all natural and not have an epidural. I am going to look into different birthing methods and decide what I feel will work best for me.
I do worry because I have herniated discs in my back so I don't know how bad the pain will be.
I will go in with a plan but I will be open to an epidural if I cannot get through it. I am not going to torture myself if I can't bear the pain.