Anyone not going to have an epidural? The whole idea really scares me

I have an issue with the idea of having a needle stuck in my spine and than not being able to feel or move my legs. But some of my friends have said the epidural didnt even work for them. Than a couple of weeks ago I read this article on Yahoo that totally solidified my fears.

http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/view.php?StoryID=20061017-102704-7987r

Re: Anyone not going to have an epidural? The whole idea really scares me

The same thing happened to my co-workers daughter about 2 weeks ago. Something about the hole that the epidural left, fluid was leaking into it and paralyzed her. She had to go back into the hospital to have it corrected. She's 100% fine now, but it was scary for a few days.

Re: Anyone not going to have an epidural? The whole idea really scares me

I am definitely asking for one...no doubt

Re: Anyone not going to have an epidural? The whole idea really scares me

trust me, get it!!! I had 2 with an epidural and 1 without and it was TORTURE not having one, You are so uncomfrtable that the needle in your spine is NOTHING compared to the intensity of the contractions, don't make any plans for yourself, just take it has it comes.

Re: Anyone not going to have an epidural? The whole idea really scares me

I too am scared of it. I dont like medication of any kind, especially the numbing kind.

I have done labor though without it and while my daughter was premature, hence, smaller...I think i can do it again.

I have read about intense headaches after epidurals too, lasting weeks in women. I know its a small risk, but Im not into it...

Re: Anyone not going to have an epidural? The whole idea really scares me

Not a mom or a mom to be...just wanted to give my *unsolicited* advice.

My mom had 5 kids without any drugs (and my little sister was 9lbs 5oz and 23.5") and my sister had 3 without drugs & is about to have #4 and is not planning on using any drugs (she has a high threshold for pain because she wasn't even cut for baby #2 or 3 ). Both said the pains, while strong, can totally be controlled. If you don't want an epi, try to think about something else...anything to not give in to the pain. They also waited a LOT before going to the hospital. So most of the labor was at home...by the time my sister got there with the last one she was 5cm dialated.

Whenever my chance comes, I don't plan on using drugs either (if God willing I get that chance). I'm sure it hurts like nothing else, but seeing how my family has been fine, I think (and hope) I can handle it.

We are a lot stronger than we think.

Good luck!

Re: Anyone not going to have an epidural? The whole idea really scares me

I'm having it.. no matter what.

Re: Anyone not going to have an epidural? The whole idea really scares me

The idea scares me too, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to handle the pain. I'm taking a wait & see approach. If I need it, I'll have it. I have a feeling that I will end up needing it.

Re: Anyone not going to have an epidural? The whole idea really scares me

I'm not planning on getting one, but I have been preparing for natural childbirth and I switched to a midwife who is familiar and supportive of natural chidlbirth. If you really want to aviod one (and you can, no matter what anyone says) I strongly encourage you to take a good natural childbirth class, like Bradley. I'm doing self-hypnosis and using hypnobabies -- you'll find a lot of info online about it. Also, find an ob or midwife who will work with you and not confine you to bed with nurses coming in every 5 minutes asking "are you ready for your epidural yet?" You can do it!

Re: Anyone not going to have an epidural? The whole idea really scares me

I didn't read the article because I didn't want to freak out...

I was totally in fear of not being able to feel my legs, petrified of that feeling of paralysis. BUT, I want to let you know, you CAN feel your legs, they're just really heavy. I was soooo relieved about that. (Then I got the c/s...well there goes that!) Also, like someone said, the contractions will be so painful, you will do whatever it takes to relieve that. I really admire those who go natural but I realized it's not for me.

Good luck to you!

Re: Anyone not going to have an epidural? The whole idea really scares me

Posted by emilain

trust me, get it!!! I had 2 with an epidural and 1 without and it was TORTURE not having one, You are so uncomfrtable that the needle in your spine is NOTHING compared to the intensity of the contractions, don't make any plans for yourself, just take it has it comes.

Re: Anyone not going to have an epidural? The whole idea really scares me

If you want a drug free birth definitely look into:

The Bradley Method


and/or


Hypnobirthing


Good Luck

Re: Anyone not going to have an epidural? The whole idea really scares me

I am very anxious about the idea of having a needle in my spine, but to be honest, I don't think I will be able to deal with the pain of labor. And I can see myself being so excited about the baby's arrival that trying to concentrate on something else to block out the pain just won't work for me.

Message edited 10/29/2006 8:48:37 AM.

Re: Anyone not going to have an epidural? The whole idea really scares me

I'm not getting it done mainly because I couldn't have one in my first pregnancy due to the fact that I was "too far gone" by the time the anesthesiologist arrived. They tried about 10 times, but my contractions were too close together. I learned from that experience that the worst of it's over by the time they attempt to give you relief anyway, so I am not even going to ask for it this time.

Re: Anyone not going to have an epidural? The whole idea really scares me

I would really like to try to do it naturally. We shall see when it gets closer but unfortunately I read too much at my job and I think I want to try to go without drugs. My mom did I don't see any reason why I couldn't do it.

Re: Anyone not going to have an epidural? The whole idea really scares me

Also- An epidural is not your only pain medication option. My friend refused to have one, she had demerol with 2 of her 3 kids and a mild tranqulizer with her 3rd.

They can give you pain meds In your IV.....They just prefer the epidural b/c of course the baby gets whatever medications your getting.

Message edited 10/29/2006 10:17:32 AM.

Re: Anyone not going to have an epidural? The whole idea really scares me

I wanted desperately to do it just with Entenox (laughing gas) but after being induced (which can be INCREDIBLY painful) and spending 20 minutes inside of a Prince song (I think it was raspberry beret) they couldn't get that epidural inside of me quick enough!!! I was scared I wouldn't be able to sit still long enough, and I didn't notice that I couldn't feel my legs, I was too focused on having a baby that it didn't bother me. Also, I was up and walking maybe 10 minutes after the baby was born, so it was not nearly as traumatic as I thought it would be.

Re: Anyone not going to have an epidural? The whole idea really scares me

I had an epidural with my first 2 and went natural with DS. Although the epidurals were fine, I wish I would have gone natural. It was so much better. I felt like I was more "there" for his birth. It was the best experience of my life. By the time the pain becomes unbearable you're in transition and are only 20-30 minutes from beaing 10 cm. The way I coped with it was by putting a washcloth in my mouth and screaming at the top of my lungs Here is a good website.

http://www.birthingnaturally.net/about/bn.html

Re: Anyone not going to have an epidural? The whole idea really scares me

um...it's the first thing i'm asking for!

Re: Anyone not going to have an epidural? The whole idea really scares me

I didn't have one for many reasons. The main reason was I wanted natural childbirth but the other was I had great fears of getting an epidural and the potential side effects. I have heard some real horror stories. I survived au natural and plan to do it that way again next time around.

Re: Anyone not going to have an epidural? The whole idea really scares me

I dont know, I am really scared about it. I had a professor( a DDS) who used a cane to walk and when I asked her what happened she told me she had a baby 6 months ago and the epidural paralized her! she can only walk with a cane and is slowly regaining strenght in her legs again. Ever since then I have been paranoid, they just asked me in the hospital too, I told them it all depends on the pain and if I cant take it otherwise want to go natural, she wrote it down in my chart.

Re: Anyone not going to have an epidural? The whole idea really scares me

I was weirded out about it too, didnt want it and wound up not having it. There was a moment I thought about getting it but by that time I was 9cm and it was too late. I would definately do without it again. But to be completely honest... my labor was very quick.

Re: Anyone not going to have an epidural? The whole idea really scares me

It's very important to remember that everyone is different!!

Some have quick labors, others over 24 hours.

Some women have a high threshold of pain, others like me..not so much.

AND then there are all different factors involved...I had terrible back labor which anyone will tell you is excruciating-they asked if i wanted one, i said YES!! and it was wonderful for me and i was every bit conscious, alert and pain free for his delivery.

Just some points to consider. You can't truly know what you'll do until its time.

Re: Anyone not going to have an epidural? The whole idea really scares me

Re: Anyone not going to have an epidural? The whole idea really scares me