Any advice would help...

**claytonsmum** · 23-02-2011 07:34

If you get induced can you still have an epidural? Im 35 or 37 wks my doctor will decide tomorrow at my apt..I've been measuring 2wks ahead the last four apts...so she said they may have gotten my due date wrong and if so she might indcue me at 38wks..
Im really afraid to give birth, (first time), so I want to get the epidural I was just wonder if she does induce me can you even get one, and can you feel it go in, the needle?

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**One of THOSE mums!** · 23-02-2011 07:43

Yes you can have an epi.

Personally I didn't feel a thing getting the epi.

Maybe the pain was insignificant compared to contractions???

Do whatever u feel is right for u. But keep in mind they won't do an epi when u are nearly fully dilated. I was lucky to get it done at 8cm, but I had been in full labour 3 days and was most likely having a cs so the epi was netter than a general.

**MamaKoala** · 23-02-2011 07:43

Hi there,
This might sound crazy but birth really isn't anything to fear. Your body is made for this. It will be intense but you can cope.
As for epidural - yes you can still have one, but I believe you have to be 3cm dilated to be considered in Active labour before you can get the epidural. If you get it before then, it could interfere with labour and stop it.
They give you a local to numb the area that the epi needle goes in. This hurts, especially while in labour. But the epi needle itself doesn't hurt.

I don't understand why she would induce you even if you got your due date wrong. The baby will come out on it's own when it's ready. No need for induction talk at this stage when you are only 35 weeks.

I hope your Dr can be much clearer with you on why she thinks it's wise to induce before going down that path. All the best.

**myhusbandswife** · 23-02-2011 07:44

You sure can!

I had an epi with DD. I felt the needle for the local anasthetic and then a just felt him pushing around. Then it was in. The pain was nothing compared to contractions.

Trying to stay curled up in the right position was so hard though!

**MsMummy** · 23-02-2011 08:04

I had an epi many hours into an induced abour. I don't remember the needle being bad as the contractions were so awful.

I would avoid an induction if you can though.

**claytonsmum** · 23-02-2011 13:03

She told me she might induce cus she doesn't want him to get to big and me not be able to push him out, but now im kinda disagreeing with her. Cus I kno my body is made for birth, so I could push out a 9lb baby! Lol im going to talk to her tomorrow.

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**lulu 2** · 23-02-2011 13:16

I wish I had taken the midwives advise and had the epi as soon as they started the drip as the pain was so intense and then the second time the same and the 3rd time again lol you would think i would learn , but I found i was too shy to ask them for one that was until the pain kicked in then I screamed for it lol. Then when it kicks in its back to concentrating on what your there for instead of the pain it is such a good feeling to be able to focus on the labour.
Most hospitals let you have the epi when you feel you need it except when it is too late and the birth is happening.
Discuss it with the midwives or your ob and don't feel bad about asking for one , I know I couldn't do an induction without it.

**Gandalf** · 23-02-2011 13:22

Can i ask whether the 'two weeks ahead' is based on just your fundal height? or an Ultrasound as well? I would be wary to let myself be induced until i was definitely at least 38 weeks (so i would be waiting another three weeks regardless) because the risk is still there that your initial dates are correct, you are only 35 weeks, and having a baby at 36 weeks means that it could end up in special care for another week. [not definite, but it could happen].

As for an epidural, yes you can have one during an induction.

**claytonsmum** · 23-02-2011 23:45

I don't mean that she wants to induce me right now, she said today when I go that if im still measuring 2wks ahead then that would make me 37wks and next week idk ne 38 so she would induce me next week or the following week. But I still don't know if I should, yes I want to meet my lil man, but not if she is certain and how can you really be certain? And she deteremined this from an ultra sound and measuring my stomach.

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**Gandalf** · 23-02-2011 23:54

Originally Posted by claytonsmum

I don't mean that she wants to induce me right now, she said today when I go that if im still measuring 2wks ahead then that would make me 37wks and next week idk ne 38 so she would induce me next week or the following week. But I still don't know if I should, yes I want to meet my lil man, but not if she is certain and how can you really be certain? And she deteremined this from an ultra sound and measuring my stomach.

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you know that 'term' (so when the baby is done) can be anywhere between 38 and 42 weeks? so even if she induces you when you are definitely 38 weeks, your baby might still need a month inside?
If your body isn't ready to go into labour - having induction is unlikely to change anything.

I would do some research into inductions, and into big babies - and make sure its the right thing for you.

But i personally would be wary if i was being told i should let myself be induced because i was measuring (only) 2 weeks ahead.