Can I make it clear that I want a epidural?

[KA1022]

I want an epidural but hear people say things like... If it is not too late or if they can... I want to make sure when I start going into labor and the pain gets really bad, I can have my epidural. What do I say or do to ensure that this happenes and the doctors follow my wishes?

[PoeticPep]

I would let them kno immediately. U still have to wait for them to come do it. If u kno u can't handle extreme pain well u shouldn't wait till it's unbearable.

[InsaneRoman]

I told my doctor ahead of time and as soon as contractions really started I got just the lead put in, not the medicine. Then when I felt the need for medicine, they gave it to me through the lead already inserted. I was told there's no such thing as too early, and they can add more medicine if I starts to wear off. Btw, epidural HIGHLY recommended by me lol

[babyalexa15]

Just let them know as soon as u get there and that way they are aware of u getting it but most of the times when u start getting contractions very strong they immediately ask u if u wanted right away when they notice u are in pain that's what they did when I had my first ...I am having my second one and for the moment I don't wanted but if contractions get worse I will get it ...

[susamor]

Also keep in mind that you want to ask for it before it gets really bad. There may be other women ahead of you and you might have to wait a long time.

[KA1022]

Thank you for all of your advice and helpful information!!!

[alexis444]

I tell the nurse as soon as I get there. I also told my hubby to remind them..of course I'm pretty whiney so every nurse knows when they come to check on me lol

[sorenr]

3 of my 4 labours have been very quick (4, 3 and 2 hrs) I've never been in the hospital for more than an hour before delivering and wouldn't have been able to get one even if I'd wanted to! I never even had time for the birthing pool to be filled :(  It is possible to be too late, even if you don't intend to be!

[mags242001]

They will come in and offer it. So don't worry the medical staff knows the window when u can have one n it's hours so they r not going to forget.

[EEmommy]

I told my doc I wanted one from day one with both my previous pregnancies. I ended up being induced with my first and my doc said I could have it when I was ready wich took about 2 hours once pitocine started. With my second I I went into labor on my own at 38+6 when I got to the hospital I wasn't there but 10 min before my epidural was ordered contractions were 2-3 min apart dialateted to a 4  the anithesialogist (sp?) Beat my Doc to the room. I'm 16 weeks with my 3 and plan on getting one again. Just tell your doc you want one and he will make sure you get it.

[sgulia1987]

Normally the only reason they can't is if you get to the hospital too late. That doesn't happen that often. My friend didn't get there till she was 9.5 cm and gave birth a half hour later so there was no time. The only other reason they would deny you a epidural is if there was medical issues preventing it in which case you could make it as clear as you want they're not going to do it. As long as you get to the hospital when you should it's very unlikely there would be a problem getting you an epidural and they will ask when you get there. Hospitals don't just deny epidurals for no reason.

[pointofview]

When you go in they should ask you if you want to go natural or with an epidural .. If you choose the epidural they'll ask you ..from a chart of 1-10 when your pain gets what do you want to get it ... ... Well that's how they asked me and I got it ..but I was induse ..so when I felt the slightest pain I couldn't take it lol so I asked for it ..I only lasted like 15 minutes before I requested it lol :)

[boupidbird]

Communicate early on with the medical staff