Epidural?

[Mlbaby2]

Hello all. I’m currently 15 weeks with baby number 2. My first pregnancy was fine but I had a difficult labour and birth. My son got stuck and I was in the second stage of labour for almost 4 hours. As a result I had a third degree tear from the outside up to my cervix. This then didn’t heal correctly so I had to have 3 surgeries to repair it. It took 14 months to heal. Anyway, I am seeing a consultant to discuss my birth options but I know I don’t want a caesarean unless it’s an emergency. But I am feeling very anxious about the delivery and wondering if an epidural might help as at least if it does get stuck again or I tear badly, I won’t feel it. My last delivery was medication free and the pain of him being there for 4 hours was unreal.
So, I’m looking for stories, positive and negative, from those who have had an epidural. Would you recommend? Thanks

 

[Mayflower85]

First time - I had to wait 8 hours for the anaesthetist to be available, they got it in, and it lasted 20 mins before it wore off and they couldn't get it to work again. I ended up with an emergency c-section with a spinal block.

Second time - within 10 mins of asking for an epidural, the anaesthetist was there, they had a bit of trouble getting it in but once it took effect it was amazing. I was still aware of the contractions but they didn't hurt. This time I had a button that I could press every half an hour to top it up. I still ended up with an emergency c-section so I don't know what it's like to give birth with an epidural.

The only thing I'd say is, 4 or 5 days after each epidural I've had a day of horrendous headaches and nausea. Apparently this is quite common - they did warn me it might happen.

 

[El1en]

I had an epidural with my first. I'd already been in labour for ages, she'd got stuck at 9cm while trying to turn. It took 4 attempts to get it in which hurt in between contractions. They said it didn't work properly I was still getting pains but it did take the edge off. I ended up with an assisted delivery and episiotomy after baby's heart rate dropped. She told me I'd have managed to push her out myself if baby's heart rate had been okay and we had more time

 

[malagueta]

I had an epidural when my daughter was born in July and I have to say I have no complaints. I'm usually terrified of needles so I decided to try just gas and air but I couldn't deal with the pain (I'd had coccyx problems during pregnancy) so asked for the epidural. I had to wait around an hour for the anaesthetist but apart from that it was great as I then felt I was more able to enjoy the birth experience. I also got them to tone down the strength of the dose nearer the end so I could feel the contractions and know when to push. I did end up needing an episiotomy (four external stitches and i don't know how many inside) and a ventouse due to baby being on the bigger side. No side effects after though. I now wouldn't have the same fear of having an epidural if I ever have a second child.

 

[EmmaN27]

I’m petrified of needles and swore I would not have an epidural, however my labour was so painful and long that I was begging for it in the end! I could still feel a bit of pain but it was far better than before I had it, tolerable. X

 

[firstfreakout]

I was open to the idea of an epidural before I went in to be induced. Hormone gel went in at 6pm, by midday the next day I was screaming in agony because the contractions didn't stop - back to back without a break. I had a spinal before the epidural due to back pain related questions I couldn't answer while in pain, so I don't know how many attempts it took to get the epidural in after that as I was still kinda numb, but I loved the epidural.

I got given a button to press every 20 minutes to administer the epidural and towards pushing I stopped pressing it so often so I could feel some contractions still.

My downside about the epidural is having to give birth lying on your back. It's awful especially for a first time mum as I think it definitely adds to the chances of having an assisted delivery because gravity and anatomy is working against the baby descending. But if the pain is that hard to manage, then it's a godsend.

I had episiotomy and suction delivery in the end.

 

[Mlbaby2]

Thank you all for your replies. They’ve been really useful x