epidural fear...

[twinpregmum]

I'm currently 36 weeks pregnant with twins and absolutely petrified of giving birth.
My doctor wants to do vaginal birth with an epidural.
Both babies are head down and are in the ideal position.
I just wanted to ask a few questions regarding the epidural....:confused:

Does the needle kill.... Truthfully?:(
Will I feel any pain during the labour?
Can you have the epidural as soon as you arrive?
Does the pain relief wear off or can they insert more?
Is the chance of tearing increased?

If anyone could clarify or inform me of there own experiences, it would be greatly appreciated....

Thanks ladies:)

[Cupcake85]

I can only give you answers from my epi experiences...

Does the needle kill.... Truthfully?:( First time I didn't even feel it (was in labour having strong contractions), second time - the local hurt and the epidural hurt in certain parts of my back, the local doesn't block everything.

Will I feel any pain during the labour? With my epidural that I had during labour I didn't feel the contractions once it set it. The second epi was for an elective c-section so wasn't in labour.
Can you have the epidural as soon as you arrive? Not sure on this one sorry

Does the pain relief wear off or can they insert more? It can wear off depending on how long you have had it in but don't worry they can top it up

Is the chance of tearing increased? Not sure - wasn't applicable in my case

HTH.

[overitand36]

hi i also was not really into the whole birth thing either and can remember saying in classes I am not doing that well thats exactly what happened - I had an emergency c-section

look into your pain options know exactly how they will work and when you can have access to them

for me I had pethidine first and gas as far as the epidural I do not remember feeling a thing and yes it can be topped up

i don't think you will get a epi as soon as you walk in the door I think you will experience labour and see what happens first

also with an epi you will have no control over the birth at all you will be unable to move and maybe not push properly I would be looking at all your opinions and getting yourself fully informed and epi may not be the best option for you

address the real problem the fear

[HunterzMummy]

Hi Twinpregmum :wave:

I am so so so glad you asked this question. I toam pregnant with twins (only 13 wks) and am petrified of a Epi. I will definatly be watching this thread like a hawk :yes:

Just out of curiosity, why do you have to have a epi?

[mumma2cubs]

I loved my epidural.

I didn't feel the local, and the best way I can describe the feeling (it doesn't hurt) is once the local works, you then feel pressure, pop, pressure, pop, pressure, pop etc.

Then they hit the magical spot, you feel a warm trickle down your back and within 10 minutes you are numb.

I could push really effectively with mine - I had all control over my muscles - I just couldn't feel pain.

I would definitely recommend the epidural! I would think your OB wants to attempt a VB with an epidural just in case something happens during the pushing (riskier with twins) and they need to act fast for a forceps, emergency c-section etc.

[twinpregmum]

Hi Twinpregmum :wave:

I am so so so glad you asked this question. I toam pregnant with twins (only 13 wks) and am petrified of a Epi. I will definatly be watching this thread like a hawk :yes:

Just out of curiosity, why do you have to have a epi?
The doctor said I had to have an epidural in case there was a problem and they had to do an emergency c - section. Originally I wanted to have a c-section but my doctor advised against it as the recovery would be worst and hard with twins.

[CatNoonan]

From my experience...

Does the needle kill.... Truthfully?:( It was extremly uncomfortable but much more preferable to the intense contractions I was having.

Will I feel any pain during the labour? I wasn't administered enough at 1st so took the edge off but then the pain came back. But once they got his sorted I didn't feel a single pain.

Can you have the epidural as soon as you arrive? Not sure all depends on your midwife and OB. I had mine at 7cms because I wasn't progressing

Does the pain relief wear off or can they insert more? Yes the pain relief wears off over time and they can insert more.

Is the chance of tearing increased? I did tear but don't think this was down to the epidural. More to do with the fact I'd been doing three pushes to each contraction and then I could see Bubbas head so I did a 4th push on last contraction and midwife wasn't prepared for it.

[moozle]

I had an epi after 9 hours of labour. The ob said it was going too slowly and wanted to put me on the oxy drip. I really never wanted one and was terrified at the thought of it before labour. In the midst of it though, once it was reccommended to me, I just went with it and I barely even noticed it going in. I had spent 9 hours trying to relax and breathe so I was in a semi medatitive state, mind you!

It really didn't hurt. The worst part was having to have a catheter but even that wasn't that bad. In the end I had to have an emergency c-section so it was just as well I had the epi!

All the best with your twins!

[LittleBubbles]

I had an epi with DS...

My contractions came on so fast and so strong, that by the time I got to the hospital I was almost begging for it. :laughing:

Honestly - I didn't feel a thing. They try not to administer the needle in the middle of a contraction incase you move around, but sometimes It can't be helped. But if you haven't had kids before and have no idea what labour feels like, the needle won't bother you at all. lol

It doesn't run out, but it can wear off... If you start feeling any pain or discomfort the midwife will top you up again. Depending on how much you're given depends on how much pain is relieved. I had mine administered twice because the first attempt only numbed one side of my body and I was still feeling pain. 2nd time - I couldn't feel a thing... I got to enjoy the thrill of child birth without pain. And it was so exciting for me.

As for the case of tearing? I think it's the lying down in a bed that adds to a tear. It's not the ideal position for giving birth. But I can't say whether or not it worsens the tear... Some hospitals will cut if they think you'll tear too badly.

Anyway, they're nothing to be afraid of. Especially if you're in for a long labour... Good luck with it all. :thumbsup:

[twinpregmum]

Why is the catheter the worst part??

[mumma2cubs]

Why is the catheter the worst part??

I didn't find the catheter bad at all. They put mine in once I had the epidural so again I felt the sensation but not any pain or discomfort.

I should also mention that the idiot midwives removed my catheter before the epidural wore off and as a result I had a full bladder (1.5 litres) that couldn't be emptied so I had to have the catheter reinserted once the epidural had worn off.

Seriously - even without the epidural I didn't feel a thing.

[elleandsam]

Why is the catheter the worst part??

In all honesty, after getting the epidural I didn't even feel the catheter.

I had the epidural four hours into an intense induction, and compared to the contractions, it really wasn't that bad. In fact I declared my undying love to the anaesthesiologist :laughing:

[mumma2cubs]

In fact I declared my undying love to the anaesthesiologist :laughing:

:laughing::laughing: I did the same thing! I wonder how many times they get told they're loved on a weekly basis. I'd be a very jealous Anaesthesiologist's wife :yes:

[kel87]

Does the needle kill.... Truthfully?:(
I had my epidural put in after 6 hours of intense induced labour - it wasn't as painful as the contractions - just iuncomfortable - but u soon forget the pain when the drug starts running down your legs - BLISS!!

Will I feel any pain during the labour?
You shouldn't generally feel 'pain' but I had a degree of sensation but no pain at all

Can you have the epidural as soon as you arrive?
At my hospital yes, but i was induced, the offered it straight away (i declined - silly me!) but as soon as you ask for it you can get it - however it depends - if your hospital doesn't have a local anest. and your anest. needs to be called in - this could take up to 40 minutes but the hosp should tell you if they will need to call in an anest.

From start to finish i think it took the anest under 5 minutes until i had relief.

Does the pain relief wear off or can they insert more?
It does wear off a little but they can 'top it up' - also remember as soon as you 'feel' it wearing off, ask them for a top up becuase it can take up to 10 mins to get full relief again/middies may be busy etc (that was the best tip a mum gave me prior to birth)

Is the chance of tearing increased?
I ended up with an emergency c-sec so can't answer

In regards to the catheter - def try and get it done after the epidural - it wasn't painful for me (i had it afterwards) but when it was removed it was quite uncomfortable.

goodluck with ur birth :)

[kel87]

:laughing::laughing: I did the same thing! I wonder how many times they get told they're loved on a weekly basis. I'd be a very jealous Anaesthesiologist's wife :yes:

.. and my anest. was a cutie too hahaha they must have a very rewarding job :laughing:

[1+1=5]

[QUOTE=twinpregmum;4253934]
catheter: you get that after the epi....i think :confused:
Does the needle kill.... Truthfully?:( i didn't feel it with the pains of labor
Will I feel any pain during the labour? not with an epi
Can you have the epidural as soon as you arrive? i would imagine so as once its too late, they won't give it to you.
Does the pain relief wear off or can they insert more? its constant drip and they turn it off when you are done
Is the chance of tearing increased? not sure sorry


i think if you are going to get an epi, be prepared that you are most likely going to end up with a c/section.

best of luck :)

[sarahsboys]

With my first epi, I was in labour with a prosterior bub, so was in intense pain, so I didnt really feel the epi, and once I had it, it was pure bliss, but it did end up in an emergency c/s. with my other 2 elective c/s I was obviously more conscious and aware of the epi. I am not good with pain anyway, the worst part for me is the iv in your hand, and the pushing into the needle with your back, urghhh just makes me queasy thinking about it.

One piece of advice I can offer though, is that my recovery from the elective c/s v's emergency c/s is that I recovered far better with the elective, i think it was due to not labouring, plus they need to top up the epi with the emergency. I also had violent shaking after the emergency c/s. I can't compare though c/s v's vaginal, but from what I have heard is that if you tear the pain can be just as bad as the c/s recovery.

All the best with your decision x

[Sheer Bliss]

I can't speak from the epi POV, but I did have twins vaginally with no pain relief. I did alot of reading, and twin birth stories are hard to come by, and most mums had their OB insist on the epi JIC, and in most cases JIC never happened and everything went smoothly. I was petrified of an epi and the possible side-effects, and also of not being able to feel the urge to push etc.

My OB was great, and I wasn't going to have an epi....and with DD being born 7mins after I arrived at the hospital - there was no time anyway!! She was presenting head-down, and DS had been breech for at least the last 4weeks. His position was checked a minute or so after she was born and he had flipped head down and was born about 20mins later.

Make sure you know the facts about epi's and the possible risks of having one and the possible risks of not having one. It's your birth, make it what you want.

[Shananaaah]

Hi there,

I was TERRIFIED of an epidural and refused to have one for with my first labour, thankfully it was very quick. But extremely painful (I was induced and it kicked in superquickly).

With baby number 2 I begged for an epi as soon as the contractions started (induced again, and superquick again, and I freaked out).

It didn't hurt to go in, it was just a wierd feeling. Once they got the level right, I couldn't feel a thing. It was so nice. Although I didn't like being stuck on the bed.

DD had the cord around her neck so we had to get her out quickly, so while they were preparing for a c-sect, my dr told me to push (I was 8cm) to see if we could birth her vaginally. The negative about the epi was that I wasn't sure when I was contracting (I'm asking the midwife "now? tell me when? now?") and I couldn't feel the strength of my pushing (again asking "am I doing it??" It was quite funny after the fact...)

So, ultimately, I DID tear but mostly because I was so desperate to get her out and get the cord from around her neck that I think I OVER pushed, and my legs were in the stirrups (we had to use forceps).

Once she was born and all ok, I was up and walking around just fine within about 40 minutes.

It is scary to think about, but you don't know how you will handle labour yet - learn all about the epi, and other pain relief, and arm yourself with the knowledge before you make the decision. You might surprise yourself! xx

[LillyPonds]

:wave: Ladies

What do you mean by more risk of tearing?

If you mean during the birth then no more than normal. You don't have the epidural on while you are giving birth it's just to help you cope during the lead up to pushing. They turn it off when it's time to push! Well they did with me anyway.

[Opinionated]

Personally, if it was me, I would not be having an intervention that could increase my chances of c/s, just in case I need a c/s. The epi itself means you are stuck on bed, possibly hindering labour and increasing the chance of c/s. The if you need one, the ob can say "lucky you had the epi:rolleyes:"

Epi's are not risk free either. There is some complications that can arise from an epi. I would be waiting to see if you need it. Who knows, b1 and b2 may just pop out after 10 minutes of labour.

I would recommend some natural birthing techniques. Things like positive visualization and hypnobirthing. You may even find that they are enough.

[twinpregmum]

:wave: Ladies

What do you mean by more risk of tearing?

If you mean during the birth then no more than normal. You don't have the epidural on while you are giving birth it's just to help you cope during the lead up to pushing. They turn it off when it's time to push! Well they did with me anyway.
The doctor told me you can have the epidural on whilst giving birth.... and you'll feel pressure when you need to push.... I am petrified of pain!!

[tales]

I felt the epi needle going in (yeh it hurt, but only for a few seconds and nothing like a contraction), but after 20 hours of back labour (posterior, transverse bub), I was too tired to care. I didn't move a muscle, and he got it perfect the first go (fortunately). It was the first time in two days my back stopped hurting, and was bliss. Until it started wearing off. On one side.. They set it to deliberately wear off so I could feel the contractions again to push, but I don't know if I ever had a choice about that. All I know is that the pain I was in when it wore off was (I believe) so much worse because the epi 1. made me really alert and aware of everything because the endorphins had gone; and 2. kicked me right out of my labour "rhythm" - I was dealing with the pain well enough up till then. :( It was, of course, worse as well because by the time it wore off I was fully dilated. I REALLY wanted to move then, but couldn't.

Only reason I had it at all was because I opted for a synto drip and was so exhausted and dehydrated that I couldn't move around any more to progress my labour (something I never really thought about - that I would run out of energy before it was all over). I didn't rest enough, and paid the price. I hated being confined to a bed, and tore (2nd degree), but the mw said that I only tore because she came out with her arm above her head (like Supergirl).

[kiki07]

There was a reccuring theme in many posts

Is the chance of tearing increased?
I ended up with an emergency c-sec so can't answer

Having an epidural leads to a higher chance of having a c- section. A c-sections results in the pain of birthing lasting long after the baby is born. So, trying to avoid pain through having an epidural can result in more pain and discomfort post birth.

OP asked good questions. Have you read any books on birth? Birth Skills by Juju Sindin and Sarah Murdoch or Active Birth by Janet Balaskas are both good, and show how positioning can help you birth your bub easier.

[Aquamarine]

I had an epidural with two out three of mine and I think they were awesome.

I know I am more scared of not getting the epidural in time because the contractions are so painful.

Can't remember the pain of the needle because the contractions were too intense.

I would want another epidural if I were to give birth again.

Good luck with your decision but stay positive and you'll be fine.

[Lovebird79]

Yes they can top up the epidural but there is a limit to how much you can have -it happened to me.

I don't regret the epi. I didn't feel it go in, nor did I feel the catheter. I also ended up having a natural birth. I honestly don't know what I would have done without it. In the end though, its best you research and decide what is best for you, as the epi does normally mean that you are in labour longer. It does also mean a long time in bed, not able to move around, plus being in possibly the hardest position to give birth in.

Good luck

[Raising Leprechauns]

Does the needle kill.... Truthfully?:(
Hi! I am terrified of needles - TOTALLY. I was up front about this with all medical staff. I was induced so had a drip in. My doc put some "happy juice" in the drip which calmed me down and they used heaps of local in my back. I didnt feel a thing and was calm as.

Will I feel any pain during the labour?
To me it felt like ripples in my tummy. As soon as I got worse than that - top up.

Can you have the epidural as soon as you arrive?
I had the tap in both times before my contractions started as I was induced.

Does the pain relief wear off or can they insert more? They can give you more - just tell them when you feel pain.

Is the chance of tearing increased?
Two VB for me and no tearing. I was calm and pain free the whole time and listened carefully when the middies said to stop pushing so they could turn the shoulders.

And I got up and showered etc both times once all the "business end" stuff was sorted.

Good luck. At the end of the day - your precious children in your arms will take your mind off everything!!!!

[bindy01]

After reading these responses I'm having an epidural for my next bubba for sure!!

[drevs22]

Just thought I'd add my 2 cents

I had an epi with #1. Lots of reasons why. I was also terrified of the pain and labour in general. I wish you knew me to know how big a whimp I am.
It was uncomfortable getting the epidural - didn't hurt there was pressure and I was having contractions etc. But again it wasn't bad. They show you the needle and that just freaks hte **** out of you but honestly I think IV's hurt more.

I didn't end up needing a c/s. Don't buy into the intervention cascade - yes people with epi's are more likely to need interventions BUT is it because they need interventions and things aren't going well that they needed the epi. Different way to think about it or look at it.

It is so hard as a first time mom to know - can I handle it etc. It doesn't matter what everyone tells you about it and how it was for them because everyone and each labour is so different.

After having had my first - knowing the pain and showing up not even dilated asking for the epi -- this time I am not ruling out having an epi again, but I think I can handle more than I did. I'll be in a better head space this time. I'll try other stuff but if I need an epi there is no shame in getting it.

Oh - the other big thing is 'not being able to push'. This really depends on the skill of the anathesiologist and how your body reacts to the epi. I had what they call a window - part that didn't go numb - trust me they tried! I could still feel my contractions but it wasn't unmanagable pain and I knew when to push for 2 reasons. I could feel the pressure and an urge to poop as well as pain in that one area (window) which happened to be low in my groin. It was like a pulled muscle or mild charliehorse feeling.

Some times they do turn it off if you are getting too numb or they are worried you can't push.

And FYI - you can demand/request and epi before 4cm or before an induction. They just really really don't like to because it can stall or stop your labour before it is established, increases need for interventions (of course) etc.

Can you ask one of the midwifes about it - the Dr. might even recommend one of them to talk to who he knows is a little more pro active pain management vs. active labour. It is your choice - try not to feel pusehd into either side of the debate.

[Bon4]

I had an epidural for two out of my four births. The only thing I felt was the sting of the local anesthetic needle and after that nothing except a little prodding and pushing. The first time for some reason the midwife put the catheter in before the epidural was done and that was very uncomfortable. Second time it was done after and I didn't feel a thing. Make sure they do the catheter after the epi is in, not before! I loved my epis because they made my births completely pain free. Also the second time they set it up so that I was able to top it up myself by pressing a little button, which was great. I did not love the feeling of being paralysed from the waist down and the length of time it took to wear off afterwards.

[ladyinwaiting2010]

ugh my epidural didnt work at all. felt everything.

they usually give you an epi when you are at LEAST 4cm dialated i THINK but im not sure.

[Bon4]

Yes they like to wait until you are 4cm or more dilated before getting an epi because that is considered the point at which a woman is in established labour. If you get one too early it can completely stall labour.

[ladyinwaiting2010]

yeah i thought so. just wasnt 100% sure.

[bgbgbb]

I breathed on gas and air whilst I was being given my epidural at the natural birth of my twins. I'm a woos with needles at the best of times and needed something to distract me. It worked!

[studentmum]

Does the needle kill.... Truthfully?
Will I feel any pain during the labour?
Can you have the epidural as soon as you arrive?
Does the pain relief wear off or can they insert more?
Is the chance of tearing increased?


I have had 2 epis.

Some wm find the needle painful, I didn't like it.

Most wm do not feel ctx with an epi, some also do not feel the urge to push when fully dilated.

Having an epidural can reduce the effectiveness of your ctx and prolong labour, if you are less than 4cm your labour can stall completely and then need to be augmented (such is the cascade of interventions)

An epi is inserted into the space in between your spine, the tube stays in place and is taped to you extensively to prevent it moving or dislodging, the drugs can be put through this line at anytime, you will also be able to control your post birth pain relief with an epi in.

If you cannot feel the urge to push then yes, you are at increased risk of tearing by pushing ineffectively without the ctx's.

If you have fear of birth pain then perhaps you should be investigating all your options rather than heading straight for a relatively extreme form of pain relief. To birth your twins without ending in a cs you would be best to keep control of your situation, as mentioned above and epidural can effect your ability to birth. Other interventions also increase your risk of ending up with a cs. I would be wary of any Ob who wants to perform a "just in case procedure" like an epi for twins.

I know a wm who birthed her first twin at home and then transferred in after a placental abruption, her second twin was born via cs in perfect health.

There is always time and if there isn't having the epi just in case will not make a difference. In an emergency everything can be done in the blink of an eye, I have only ever seen the necessity for such an emergency twice in the past 5 yrs, most em cs occur over a 10-30 min period, my em cs occured 40 mins after I was told it would be done.

Good luck,
Sarah:flowerz:

[TheUndomesticGoddess]

I've always wanted to have an Epi. Then I went to antenatal classes and learnt more about Epi's. I then thought I wanted to try gas etc first and see how I go. But the closer I am getting to giving birth (I'm 36wks today) the more I'm getting scared of giving birth and am now thinking I want an Epi...but I'm still in 2 minds about it. I'd feel dissapointed that I didn't at least TRY to do it without an Epi..I don't like the thought of being restricted to bed..I'm also scared of tearing...But I'm still very scared of the pain of doing it without an Epi.

[myhusbandswife]

My experience. I loved it and I will def be having another one when I give birth this time.

Please research it so you feel comfortable with the process. My DH was wonderful keeping my in position and distracting me through contraction.


Does the needle kill.... Truthfully? I was honestly petrified of have the epi. I had a great anethesist even at 2am! He didnt let me see anything so I dont even know what it looked like. I had a local which didnt hurt anymore than a normal needle then I just felt him pushing and pressure and then he said all done. I thought he was still trying to find the spot

Will I feel any pain during the labour? I didnt feel pain but i could still feel my contractions, I could feel when I needed to push and I pushed effectivley. I still felt my baby being born and it was uncomfortable but not painful but I did have the epi turned down for delivery


Can you have the epidural as soon as you arrive? I think you have to be in extablished labour. So 4cm dilated. It may be different for different hospitals

Does the pain relief wear off or can they insert more? If it starts to wear off the can top it up. I actually had mine turned down a bit for delivery

Is the chance of tearing increased? I didnt have an tears or cuts so no stitches.

[JuInJune]

I am more afraid of the idea of an epidural than I am of the actual labour (and I'm still extremely nervous about that lol) I'm hoping I can literally push my way through it with gas only (maybe some aromatherapy) Plus I'm allergic to the adhesive from bandaids so hmm I'm hoping I won't need one.

[lemonpancakes]

I loved my epidural! I had it after 10 hours of intense contractions and it brought instant relief. I didn't notice any pain because the contractions were worse. And I was completely oblivious to the catheter. I think I was up walking a couple of hours later. I think I'd have another epidural next time.

[Lansta]

I'm currently 36 weeks pregnant with twins and absolutely petrified of giving birth.
My doctor wants to do vaginal birth with an epidural.
Both babies are head down and are in the ideal position.
I just wanted to ask a few questions regarding the epidural....:confused:

Does the needle kill.... Truthfully?:(
Will I feel any pain during the labour?
Can you have the epidural as soon as you arrive?
Does the pain relief wear off or can they insert more?
Is the chance of tearing increased?

If anyone could clarify or inform me of there own experiences, it would be greatly appreciated....

Thanks ladies:)

Had an epidural and didn't feel any pain afterwards including didn't feel them give needle. Does wear off but mine lasted the distance and even after wearing off still dulled enough that didn't hurt when had to start pushing. Also I didn't tear.