Labor questions...getting scared

OK so when did u get your epe, and how much pain wa sit before you go it...im scared....also does it hurt when the baby comes out....im strating to freak at 30 weeks...lol

Re: Labor questions...getting scared

I started asking from the moment they admitted me. I had to keep telling them because they were so busy they just kept brushing me off. As soon as I felt that first strong contraction (trust me you will know) I ask for it.

Re: Labor questions...getting scared

ok because my dr said 5-6 cm, does that seem late....

Re: Labor questions...getting scared

Re: Labor questions...getting scared

I was induced on a Monday night and had DD Tuesday night. From the moment i got admitted they asked me if I wanted anything for the pain. I declined all night until they broke my water at 9:00am the next morning. I was only 1cm dilated when i got it. I felt NO pain when pushing and delivering DD..it was great. Some doctors will not give the epi till you are 4cms but mine said it didn't matter. I guess it depends on the doc.

Re: Labor questions...getting scared

I held out to get the epi as long as I could. Dr. broke my water and I was 5-6 cm...it was then that I needed it. The contractions were painful but I was glad I got to experience what it was like.

By the time the EPI kicked in (which was a breeze...didn't hurt AT ALL, it was just uncomfortable knowing its a needle in my back, KWIM?), the labor part was pretty easy for me. The EPI missed a section on my left side so I got to feel a little of the contractions but it wasn't bad at all...like period cramps at that point. I didn't feel pain when the baby come out at all...just a little pressure.

It wasn't bad for me at all and I'd totally do it again!!!! The worst for me was just being uncomfortable...being in the hospital, things attached to you, being there so long, etc etc.

Message edited 10/16/2007 10:13:40 AM.

Re: Labor questions...getting scared

Re: Labor questions...getting scared

thats what my dr said, he doesnt want to slow it down...:( i just dont want pain, i gues sim hoping for a painfree childbirth...hahaha wishful thinking...

Re: Labor questions...getting scared

Re: Labor questions...getting scared

I did it without the epi both times.

Does it hurt? It's cramping. A lot of cramping but for me it wasn't unbearable. Breathing OUT helped tremendously.

Does it hurt when the baby comes out?
Yes. It burns a bit too but it's over quickly.

Billions of women have given birth though. If they did it, you can too.

Re: Labor questions...getting scared

thanks for the encouragement, theres no turning back now right? LOL

Re: Labor questions...getting scared

I got my epi at 3 cm. Doctor had said most people get it around 4 - 5 cm, but when I was in the hospital they said I could get it whenever I wanted it. I wasn't in severe pain when I got it. It was great until they broke my water. Then I started to feel the contractions and pressure. I'm sure it would have been worse if I hadn't had the epi at all. They said it may have been placed too high because I'm on the short side. I felt numbness in my chest, but not in my legs. I did feel pain, pressure and burning when the baby came out. When you are nearing 10 cm and when you are ready to push, there is an overwhelming feeling of pressure like you have to poop. I wasn't expecting that. I felt like I HAD to push.

Try not to worry - it will be over before you know it!!

Re: Labor questions...getting scared

I didn't find the pain excruciating -- I was just tired and wanted some rest after about 15 hours of labor! For me the bigger challenge when the baby came out (26ish hours after labor began) was physical exhaustion from pushing than pain. Once the epi is in you should only feel pressure, not pain.

Don't freak out about labor -- the doctors and nurses know what they are doing.

Feel free to freak out about surviving the first two months of caring for a newborn. LOL.

Re: Labor questions...getting scared

I was given mine at 3cm upon request. It didn't slow anything down..they gave it to me at 2pm, he was born at 9:51 pm...and i didn't feel a thing during labor. It was a strong epi and i was thankful!!!!

Re: Labor questions...getting scared

I think they do it from 4-6 cm. You'll be fine. I can't wait to meet him!

Re: Labor questions...getting scared

thanks everyone, i do feel a little better...

Re: Labor questions...getting scared

I got my epi at almost 7 cm dilated. I wasn't in a lot of pain, but I got one anyway. I knew the pain would get worse and I would regret it. However, getting the epi. was the worst part of my experience. It took 2 attempts to get it in and I was contracting about every 2 minutes. I thought the rest of the delivery was fine. I did not feel pain during the pushing at all. I felt my contractions (not pain) and I knew when to push. The worst pain was the next day, I was just sore. Try not to worry, you can do it!

Re: Labor questions...getting scared

I had my epi at 3cm, slowed down my contractions though then I needed Petocin. The epi itself didn't hurt. The pulling off the tape after all was said and done hurt like hell!! I felt pain when she came out. A lot of pain. I never had that with DS, I didn't feel a thing with him. Fortunately they were both small though so I didn't tear

Re: Labor questions...getting scared

I think the dr's try to hold you until 5-6 cm before getting the epi b/c sometimes it can slow down contractions which slows down your dilation. I got mind around then and I SWORE I would NOT get it. But I broke down. I really did it more for rest. If I had a quick delivery I could have made it.