Silly question…

Yeah of course you can, I was offered it but declined. They gave me relaxing drugs instead. Also you can ask for the catheter to be put in after the epidural also because that was the most painful part to me.

Honestly, to put you at ease, you hardly even feel it. I had the spinal block for my section, I’m not sure if it’s the same thing, it just feels like pinching. They put anaesthetic in your back before they actually put the bigger needles in. So you are numb at the site where they enter x

I get your question but trust me, it is not as painful as it sounds. I had one for my c-section and I can not even remember if I felt pain. I was shaking so much without control before and after that I did not even notice it. However this was my personal experience and only did it once

Just to put your mind at ease……..I had an epidural when I had to have a right hemicolectomy and then again when I had my c section and it was fine both times 🥰🥰!! Didn’t really feel much - just a bit of a pinch and then really warm down my bum cheeks and both legs like a heated car seat!! Then they get you to scooch round on the bed really quickly while your legs are going numb and so much is going on the whole time that I didn’t even really notice it all happening!!

As others have said you don’t actually feel much and have lovely nursing staff talking to you the whole time. I was fine with even while having huge contractions. X

I didn’t feel anything as I had local anaesthetic. I used breathing techniques, listened to music and looked my husband in the eyes. I was terrified but it was honestly nothing to worry about. The theatre team was amazing and really put me at ease.

I had elective and had spinal block. Didnt feel a single thing to be honest x

I had gas and air when they did my spinal block so I'd imagine you could have it for an epidural too x

I’ll be honest, I didn’t feel the spinal tap. It was lightning fast and they numbed the area first anyway.

The cannula in your hand hurts more xx

I didn’t even feel mine at all only reason o knew is because they told me my legs would feel tingly they numb the area beforehand

Yes you will be offered gas & air for the epidural procedure. You will also be given anaesthetic before the actual injection so you will be numb x

They give you a local injection before so you don't feel it.

If you are really worked up they can give you something to calm you down but i believe they are usually hesitant to due to effects on baby. I discussed this option with my midwife beforehand as I was a mess... in the end it wasn't needed and everything was so smooth, calm and quick.

I went under general, I cannot handle not being in any kind of control of the situation. Best thing I ever did I think, I woke up and had bub in my arms so fast

This was my worst fear but actually having it done isn’t even bad, they use the thinnest needle to numb the area first (which feels the same as having one in your arm, you overthink it but when it’s being done your like “oh is that it”) then the actual spinal I didn’t even feel, I’d say the worst part for me was the cannula in my wrist, you fear it more because you think “OMG ITS GOING IN MY SPINE” and expect to be in major pain but honestly it’s nothing like what you may be thinking in your head it’s over and done with so quickly, when you eventually have it done you’ll look back and realise you panicked for nothing x