Epidural!!

You don’t need to decide fully until you’re actually in labour so you can see how you’re managing the pain first. I chose to have one because I was induced and was struggling with the pain. It was brilliant for me, took the pain away completely, and allowed me to get some sleep which was very needed at that point! It did make me feel a bit cold and shaky but otherwise fine. I didn’t feel them insert the catheter (and tbh I was so past caring at that point 😂) and having it removed was absolutely fine. I didn’t have any complications from it and haven’t had any back pain etc… i had a pretty straight forward recovery and was up and walking around very early so I don’t think it delayed my recovery but I only have one child so nothing to compare it to.

Unless you have a strong feeling either way then I say wait and see how you feel during your labour. It’s completely your decision 😊

I had an epidural and haven’t had any problems at all, I had my catheter put in and obviously taken out with absolutely no feeling at all! I was made to feel very comfortable. At the time trust me you won’t care most likely! Good luck I’m sure you’ll be fab x

I have bad scoliosis and had to be induced for my pregnancy because I’m 41. I was in labor for 2 days and my epidural came out 3 times and had to be put back in. My legs felt like they weighed 200 lbs each for a few hours after I had my baby but they slowly went back to normal. I didn’t have any pain during the delivery so that part of the epidural is great. I will say I had a ton of soreness and some bruising where the epidural was put in for a couple weeks after I had my baby and that really worried. Also my recovery in general was really rough, bad vaginal tearing, hemorrhoids and back and hip pain. I started going to a chiropractor and it helps. I’ll never know if I would have been better off doing it without an epidural since this was my only pregnancy. Just my experience…

I had an epidural and I was fine, it helped loads seeing my son was back to back😫 and then I had a c section anyway. I have had a few back problems since having my son but I’m not sure where that came from! Could either be where i got so big pregnant, my son was back to back or the epidural x

I had one as I was also induced and was struggling and was going to have the drip next! It was honestly a godsend I could sleep after having only an hour over 3 days the only thing you really felt was the anaesthetic it really wasn’t that bad. I had an emergency c section so also had the spinal block!! I haven’t had any pain in my back or bruising etc I was nervous about the horror stories too but as people have
Mentioned you don’t have to decide until your in Labour etc I didn’t have it until the drip right before ! X

I was induced on the drip. The midwife doing my pre checks told me to say I want an epidural at some point just so they are aware. if the anaesthetist is in theatre you have to wait.
I was already 5cm dilated before getting induced. I lasted about 7 hours after getting the drip before requesting the epidural. Was done within 10 minutes and was working 30 minutes later. No problems since. Was lucky I got it when I did as was rushed to theatre for a section

I got to 4cm and was crying from pain and the epidural made me literally just fall asleep for the rest of my delivery totally relaxed. I would do it a thousand times over. Also was freaked out about the catheter but didn’t feel it at all. It’s kinda weird to accept knowing it’s there but it was definitely worth it. I’ve also always had back pain and haven’t experienced any since then which was 3 weeks ago. I hear the back pain is typically blamed on the epidural but is actually because your spine changes shape during pregnancy

I was 5cm dilated and having a really hard time through my contractions so I totally went for it. I didn’t plan on it but went in saying if the pain got to be too much that I’d be open to using it. It’s really common for people to need it on their first birth and then on a later birth go for natural if you’re choosing a hospital. I was so glad I had the epidural though. They lower it so you can push

Mine was the best thing I did. No back issues. I’d have ended up having a general anaesthetic for my emergency c section if I didn’t already have one in that they could top up

I had an epidural with twins as needed c-section and they told me it dosent give u a sore back , bullshite still have a sore back to this day

Couple things. With the catheter it would be put in and taken out when you can’t feel it. The taken out you’ll feel a bit more because you’ll need to pee but it doesn’t hurt at all the putting in of the epidural was fine both time that I had it. The only thing I’d say about it is get it as late as possible. Gravity and walking around helps move baby down. If you were to get it as soon as you were admitted then it’s possible your body could stall just because you aren’t walking around or standing helping baby down. I did that with my first and regretted it. With my second I got it when I couldn’t handle it anymore but I had been walking and bouncing all day long so if you need it get it when you’ve done lots of movement

I had an epidural last month, I always said I would rather not have one but if I needed it then I would. I also struggled with a bad back beforehand however I dont seem to be experiencing any effects from the epidural itself (apart from the area feeling bruised for a few days). I personally found it amazing and gave me a chance to rest before I had to push. I didn’t even realise they put a catheter in and I was still numb after when they removed it. I was so scared to have one but I would definitely have it again!

I wasn’t planning on epidural but I always thought if it’s really bad I’ll do it. After 2 days of Labour they said I need to be induced so I agreed to epidural because at that point I barely could breath because of pain. I was super scared but at the end it worked. It’s just I hated how I didn’t feel my legs at all but it allowed me to get a couple of hours of sleep and then I had to have Energency c-section anyway. I recovered pretty quickly. After a few days I was going for walks.

I had one and loved it. I was crying and past my pain point when I had it in and was at my wits end with it all it meant I could sleep through contractions etc and rest up. The catheter I never felt go in or felt it once it was in and the removal literally tickled for a split second and then it was fine. I have bad sciatica and it's never impacted my back or my pain

Following. I’m in the same boat! X

Absolute best thing I did. For context I'm a doctor and when I was a medical student I saw alot of patients who had epidurals. I remember seeing a woman whose epidural hadn't worn off yet and baby was crying and she was on her own and couldn't get to the baby and I walked in and she was crying hysterically because she couldn't get to her baby. Ever since then I always said I wouldn't have one.
Fast forward to my induction, I hadn't slept in nearly 48 hours when they said I needed the hormone drip and the midwife said I should really consider one. I was falling asleep between contractions and then waking up just as the pain started, unable to do any of the hypnobirthing I'd planned. The exhaustion was worse than the pain. By this point I knew I didn't have the strength to push the baby out if I needed to and I needed a break. After the epidural I slept for 4 hours and it was incredible. I ended up with a c section anyway so would have had to have one. No back issues post, really quick to wear off.

Honestly, I thought I could do all natural before going into labor. When that time came, he was in a hurry and I quickly changed my mind. I thought I was going to split in two on the way there. The only thing I would change is maybe use gas instead so I could control my lower half more. But I was totally comfortable during labor, able to sleep off and on was nice. I was 39 weeks. Able to shuffle myself to the bathroom, have a soak almost 6 hours after delivery. Not facts or anything, just my personal experience.

I did all natural and honestly I’m glad, I was against an epidural the thought if one even now fears me. I had no issues going natural, I did lots of hypnobirthing and positive affirmations. I’d give birth daily if I didn’t have time be pregnant for as long x

I didn't have any problems. Epidural was great.

sorry to ask you but we had some experience I thing and I am two months pp but still suffering from hemmiroids and soreness from my stitches I will like to ask how much time took to heal from you side ?

about 8 weeks but I’m just now starting to feel like my old self again at almost 4 months pp. My OB gave me a medicated suppository for the hemorrhoids and that helped. I was in extreme pain from that for about 2 weeks then it slowly got better because I could go to the bathroom etc. My stitches were fully healed at about 8 weeks but I still had some discharge after that and my first period was a lot heavier than normal. Hope that helps! It does get better and if you’re suffering take to your dr.

I had an epidural and I also get back pain (mild). I didn’t have any issues with back pain after. I don’t think it impacted my recovery at all, though I did have some fluid retention that resolved after about a week.

You honestly don’t even notice the catheter. I didn’t feel it put in or taken out. I was in so much pain from the contractions I don’t know if I could have done it without it.

The best thing to do is discuss your concerns with your health care provider. Keep your options open and see how you feel on the day, and decide then.

I was induced and opted for an epidural early on,took them almost an hour to administer it, whole time I was on gas and air as contractions were too much from the drip, especially having to be hunched over the bed! However my epidural failed and didn’t affect me at all, was able to walk around and go to the toilet still & pain didn’t ease at all. It’s rare but sometimes it doesn’t work! Just something to bear in mind in case you’re relying on it to get you through labour like I was! Xx

I had my waters broke and drip started around 3:45am, around 6am I started on gas and air as I was immediately in a lot of pain, the drip made things happen fast for me even at a low dose. Around 10am I asked for the epidural as it got that intense and I was having 10 contractions in 10 minutes! The gas and air did help mind, but it was super tiring not getting a break. They had to turn the drip off. The epidural being placed was slightly difficult because of the amount of contractions I had but my partner helped me through it and everytine I had a contraction he knew and told the anaesthesiologist and he stepped back as obviously having a spinal block whilst moving could be dangerous. Once it was in, I immediately felt relief. I could still feel the pain but it helped that much I fell asleep. My epidural was one that could be topped up every 45 minutes so I just pressed the buzzer for the midwife to do it when I needed it. I could still feel my legs but they did feel tingly initially

Which is totally normal. It didn’t hurt when the epidural was placed, contractions obviously outweighed this. But for me with the aesthetic, I still felt it going in, very odd sensation have to say. The midwives wanted me to pee every 4 hours. I tried with the epidural but it just wasn’t happening so she placed an ‘in out’ catheter. Which literally is what it says on the tin, she placed it, emptied my bladder and took it out. I think because my epidural was similar to the mobile epidural, I felt it but others when having had the epidural normally cannot feel their legs. I was nervous for the catheter and did say I didn’t want it but I truthfully didn’t have a choice as I needed to have a wee. Best way I could put it and what I said high on gas and air was it just feels like a water infection pee🤣 it was quick and I had no pain after it was removed. It really doesn’t feel like much compared to contractions. I’m 4 weeks pp and would go through it all again just for what you get 🤍👶🏼

I got one when I was 7cm dilated and I regret it so much. It failed and I basically had an unmedicated labor but somehow worse because of the epidural. If I ever have another baby I will be going all natural no epidural

I do have some back twinges now and initially after birth my back hurt a lot but you have to remind yourself your body has just been through one of the biggest things it could ever do… your whole body will be sore whilst recovering which is so normal, just rest rest rest! xx

Had an epi and it was absolutely the best. The contractions from the hormone drip were absolutely brutal. After 10 hours I needed a rest.

I had back pain after birth which radiated from the same area as the epi is placed but it wasn't because of it. Was all pelvic floor, muscular, nerve pain from pregnancy and birth. Was fixed with some skilled post partum physiotherapy.

As for the catheter I didn't feel it at all going in or coming out.

I’ve always had issues with localized anesthesia working on me. If you’ve ever had to have the dentist inject you over and over to get your mouth numb, you may have a similar issue. my epidural barely worked and i could feel my catheter when it went in, while it was in, and when they pulled it out and put another one in. It was awful.

It is the best thing ever. I highly recommend.

I heard there’s fetinayl in the epidural so I’m just gonna push through the pain

The process of getting it was painful for me. However, once it kicked in, I felt absolutely nothing. I could still feel my legs and move them. The epidural was so effective for me that I didn’t even need to top it off. I only did to prevent it from wearing off.

I didn’t have any lasting side effects from the epidural.

The catheter insertion wasn’t bad. I couldn’t feel it. The removal also wasn’t bad! Not at all painful.

I wanted a natural birth, but I was high risk (water broke two days prior) and wasn’t progressing. They gave me oxytocin and I knew my contractions were about to become unbearable, so I got the epidural.

Next time I hope for a natural water birth.

I wanted to avoid it as there’s usually an increased risk of intervention (forceps etc) however I did ask for it when I was put on the hormone drip but it failed so I stuck with gas and air. I have no back problems though after.

I had a catheter done like 3 times throughout my labour for some reason but I honestly barely felt it going in or out. Not sure if it was just because of the amount of gas and air I was enjoying 😂 x

I've had a really bad back for years including several rounds of physio. The epidural has had no effect on my back since, it's just as it always has been but I suppose that could be the luck of the draw. I did bring it up with my midwife and she arranged for me to have a consultation with an anaesthetist who discussed my back issue with me and where they could place the needle for the epidural for me avoiding certain areas. I would have it again. Also, never felt the catheter going in or out. No issues with that at all.

Everyone’s option and experience will be different- so I totally understand why it’s a hard decision! It’s a polarizing topic.

I was trying to have a natural birth although that terrified me too - I had back labor and was suggested by my midwife who highly supported my natural birth plan to get an epidural. I told the anesthesiologist I only wanted a very light dose since I was terrified of immobility, and they were able to do that. So the pain was definitely blunted but I still had some sensation and movement in my legs. Maybe this is something to consider?

I was unsure about getting an epidural for the same reasons as you. But I did get one and it was the best thing ever!! I’ve had a bad back for years, and it’s still not great now. But reflecting.. I’m sure bad posture and holding a newborn for hours and hours a day is the reason for my back hurting and not the epidural! Even if it was the epidural to cause my back pain, it’s still worth it in my opinion. Wouldn’t have been able to do labour without it. Drs ended up needing to use a ventouse and give me an episiotomy, can’t imagine the pain had I not had it. I was petrified of the needle and catheter, neither hurt at all!! x

I had one and I loved it as I was induced and given the drip so contractions were ramping up. I was tired and had 0 energy. You have to see how you feel in the moment. I always thought I didn’t want one but actually the doctors were brilliant and reassured me. It went really smooth

I had the epidural and am going to do it again! During the first week or so after my back was achey but I haven’t had any issues since. It gave me the ability to rest pain free during labor and have the energy while pushing. You should also look into a “walking epidural” aswell if you’re worried about being stuck in bed during labor.

Had an epidural as i couldnt stop myself pushing at 7cm and everyone convinced me i needed it to stop or my cervix would swell and shed get stuck, 3 mins later she was out and i wish i never did, anaesthetist doing it failed 8 times before siting it and thanked the doctor for letting him do it after which is probably why i had such bad back pain after! Never felt back pain like it the pain i had for days afterwards and even now 5 weeks later i still get pain exactly where it was sited so i do believe it was caused by it as ive never had pain badly in that part of my back before.

I had the hormone drip and only started gas and air when i got to 4cm as i was just using breathing prior and even when epidural was being sited i felt no need for it (too distracted by needing baby out 🤣) so i wouldnt go for it immediately just keep it open as an option!

And the catheter was irritating as i was fully mobile after birth still and it kept separating and leaking and making me feel like i needed to pee when obviously i didnt but its nowhere near as bad as youd think the removal is uncomfortable but you dont feel it at all going in if your epidural works, do be wary it may not if sited wrong or if your one of the people it doesnt work on (do check if you take any medications or herbal remedies they don’t affect anaesthesia as i know some like valerian and st johns wort prolong the effects and id imagine cbd and other compounds could have the same effects as thc in making anesthesia less effective)