epidurals

[Ash_1994]

How long does it take to give a epidural?  And how bad is it really? Also after having the epidural how long do u usually wait until birth acully starts? I'm confused on if I really want a epidural, I thought I did because I really wanted to lessen the pain, but after seeing a video, it scared me Cuzco it looks horrible  and painful!

[aishj84]

i had an epidural with my first 8hrs into hard labor , i didnt feel a thing not even a pricked/pinch nothing , it seemed to work straight away , then i didnt feel anything until i was dialated then felt alot if pressure and urge to push , i pushed fir 2 hrs but you know wat i had my second wif no pain reliefe and despite the pain i felt fantastic being able to do it , i prefer natural ova pain releife but i hve to admit if its ur first it is scary and i can understand the need for it, good luck:-)

[jennymommy]

I had my first two children natural and had an epidural with my third.  Worst decision I ever made.  Going natural again for my forth.  The back pain after the epidural wasn't worth it to me.  I am doing hypnobiething with this baby to help with labor.  Good luck!  

[shyloveskai]

My experience was it took 5 minutes to put it in myback it stays in your back. I hated not feeling my legs and toes, so i had them turn it on lowedt setting. When i was ready to push i could feel every contraction but no pain. From 3 cm to 10 cm was about 7 hours, so that time with no pain was boring and i slept. I did not gain use of my right leg for over 24 hours after but i could use my left leg only 12 hours after. For a few weeks i had back pain and headaches which is pretty common with epidural. Expecting number 2 and i plan on going natural this time, but i wont torture myself if its bad.

[rntmomma]

As with anything, there is a chance of complications. But if you choose to have one I found the numbing the area part the most annoying. I have since then given birth naturally and even though it was more pain it was easier for me. I was able to understand my body's needs better. What ever you decide make sure those around you know and will support you. Choosing natural then having people push drugs on you can be very stressful.

[CTMom37]

I had an epi with my first.  The needle wasn't bad, but after effects, including the shaking and blood pressure issues it caused...yuck.  Maybe read Ina May's Guide to childbirth, which has a section that discusses all of those little "birth interventions" in an honest manner.  Birth classes are given by the hospital, so there's a bit of a slant.  Good luck.  

[1sttimemummy]

I had an epidural on Sat morning (emergency section) and I can honestly say it was painless, all I felt was a tiny little nip when it went in followed by a warm tingling feeling as my lower half went numb. It actually hurt less than my flu vaccination lol

[havincinco]

Ive never had any problems with an epidural and I had one with each of my first 3 and it made the whole experience kind of a breeze.... you do need to hold very still. Im not scared of needles, but you never see them do it anyway, just feel a slight pinch. They will wait until you finish a contraction and every time the anesthesiologist was great! Maybe something about the profession. Anyway, it starts wearing off after they remove it and ive always been up and around within the hour. I didnt have it with my last. Kinda wanted to see what I was missing before.  Havent decided what to do with this one yet. Ill probably let the labor dictate.

[Flickan]

If you have the opportunity to go to a birthing class, do it. I was a great help. I was so scared of the thought of the epidural that there was NO way I would do it....and now, I am open to the idea. All this with an EXTREME fear of needles. We ever got to talk to one of the people who gives the epi's during our classes. They numb you on your back first before they do anything..and he said it takes maybe 15 min total start to finish and should start to work right away. Hardest part is staying still..and let them know when you're having a contraction so they can stop til it's over. Beyond that I have no experience. Hopefully someone with firsthand knowledge can help more...should with 80% of all births nowdays (in the US) include an epidural.