What Was Your Experience with Getting an Epidural During Delivery? Did It Work?

I had the same experience with my first child. Shaking terribly and vomiting. But my second experience was the opposite. I was able to sleep and there was no shaking or vomiting.

I had no problem with my epi. I got it when I started having pain, as I'm very pain-phobic. I also had a nap before it was time to push and had a great delivery.

You can't control how the epidural will affect your body but you can prepare to be able to manage your own pain in case it doesn't work this time around. Why don't you take a Lamaze class and hire a doula (my doula was still in training and worked with me for free! i gave a generous tip though :o). Even if you plan on having an epidural again, a doula can help make your experience a more pleasant one. Best of luck!

Dear S.,
My first epidural experience was perfect! I thought, "Wow, that was easy!" I did throw up quite a bit as my body does not do well with any kind of pain killer.

However, my second experience was not wonderful at all. I wish I hadn't even done the epidural. Apparently, it was only working on my left side. My left leg had no feeling at all while I felt everything on the right side of my body. They made me lay on my side to try and make the medication drain onto the other side, but nothing worked. My mantra was, "It could be worse." I mean I could have felt all the labor pains. But now that I think about it, I know I could have endured all the labor pains. Seriously, half the pain was bad BUT I did it.

My labor was much more successful when the epidural was not full strength. I knew how to push correctly therefore had to push less.

Your fears are normal. You need to decide for yourself what would be the best option for you. If you decide to do the epidural, it is important to know it doesn't always work out perfectly. If you do decide to do it with the epidural don't eat before you go to the hospital. If you decide to go natural, know that you will make it through labor. Women have been doing it since... forever!

Love,
J.

hi S...with my first baby, i tried to do it without the epidural, and did pretty good for about 12 hours until my water broke. then all hell broke loose and i got the epi, which helped a lot ( i also got demarol right away, and i absolutely hated that, i will never take it again),,,, so another 10 hours, very manageable, i even slept a little, which i really needed by then. by the time i was ready to push the epi was mostly worn off, which was pretty awful, but do-able. and then i had back pain for about a year after. so for my second baby i didnt want the epi, i was so scared of messing up my back. but they gave me pictocin to induce me and i refused the epi.... tremendous mistake. that is my #1 advice, do not ever get pictocin without the epi. labor came on so hard and fast, plus my daughter was like a bowling ball, over 9 lbs and short, and i thought i was going to die, really. and then the anesthesiologist was in surgery and they didnt have another one, they had to call one to get out of bed, it was the worst pain of my life, absolutely horrible. i was clenched so hard in a ball in bed crying that although i was completely dilated and having contractions 1 min apart, she wouldnt come down at all. once they finally gave me the epi, she practically flew out. and the guy giving me the epi did a much better job than the first time, i could feel the difference. or maybe i was so scared that i really didnt budge, which was so hard, but it didnt hurt. and no back pain afterwards. for my third baby, who was even bigger, 9 lbs 5 oz, i refused the pictocin until a half hour after the epi was in. it was easily the best delivery. my point is that you cant go by your previous experience. deliveries after the first are usually easier, so if you are that scared of getting the epi, try it without it as long as you are assured that you will have the option if you want it. and dont ever get pictocin without the epi, they shouldnt be allowed to do that, no matter how derranged and bitchy the mom is ;) best of luck to you

S., Every delivery is different. With my first child I wanted to go all natural, but after a while I got the epidural. With my second child I wanted the epidural and she came so fast I didn't get it. Both of my deliveries were fast which was wonderful. The second delivery, the one epidural free, was actually easier for me. I know plenty of women that cover all degrees of intensity during delivery. I say wait and see how you feel at that time. Make sure you have someone there that is supportive and can talk you through it, remind you to breath and try to relax. Whatever you choose is the right answer for you. Remember, child birth is suppose to be a wonderful experience, enjoy it, I know it's painful, but it's a small price for bringing a beautiful child into your life. Good luck.

While every delivery is different and every epidural is different, you may end up with the same thing next time. It would be wise to prepare yourself in every way possible for a more natural birth. I highly recommend getting a doula. I also recommend hypnobirthing or Hypnobabies classes.

I've labored with and without an epidural (mine DID work) and I'll take an unmedicated birth any day. Recovering from an episiotomy was no picnic and I never would have had it if I had been able to push my baby out on my own. The epidural numbed me so I couldn't feel myself pushing, couldn't direct it at all and couldn't produce enough force.

A doula can be there to help everyone involved. She can direct you in better positions, breathing techniques, pain relief techniques, etc that you might not have thought of and the hospital staff surely wouldn't suggest. Plus she is your own personal masseuse and coach, a relief for your partner, and an advocate for you. If you can't afford one you're wrong! There are always doulas working on certification who give discounted rates and even some who are willing to work for free (although its nice to offer to cover their expenses for childcare, food and gas).

Good luck in whatever you decide!

From my experience, it depends on how skillful the anesthesiologist is who is administering the epidural. With my last epidural, the anesthesiologist informed me that it might and might not work depends if he "guesses" right where to stick the needle--wow, that was new one on me because I'd already had two previous children and therefore, two epi's. My first kid the epi was good, I felt mild pain (that was 15 years ago, so you'd think the meds would be better now); my second child--painless childbirth and absolutely wonderful experience, my third--my epidural failed and basically, I went natural--painful, yet very fast.

If I were to have more children, I would definitely try to find the most "skilled" doc or go back to where I had my second baby and pray to God I get the same anesthesiologist that was in the hospital when I had my second baby.

Good luck,

M

Here are my experiences...none of them were all that good but not that bad either...except #2 sucked pretty bad:
~My first child they gave me the epidural and like you, I was shaky and puked. They asked if i wanted more and I said No! I wasn't completely numb but it took the edge off, that's for sure!
~With My 2nd child they gave it to me and it felt like they hit my bone! I only had partial numbness, only on my right side...it cut down on some of the pain but not all of it, and I had pain at the sight for weeks after wards and also pain in my shoulder and some weird pain that they told me was common when not placed correctly!
~With my 3rd child they placed it and absolutely nothing happened? They kept doing the scratch tests and I could feel everything...they kept adding more medicine but nothing was happening...after like the 3rd time they tried to give me more I had to tell them to stop and to not give me any more...after all, the medicine was going somewhere and I was scared of what might happen? I mean where was it all going? and I didn't want to die ( I know silly to worry about but I was very worried)...I just suffered through the pain and did my best to watch the monitor when I was having contractions...that helped me bunches!

The shaking and nausea are all reactions to the epidural. Some people get horrible headaches afterwards. That is just how your body reacts to the epidural and it will probably happen again. As for it wearing off so quickly, I guess that just has to do with the dosage and what kind of epidural you get. Some are a continuous dose, some are patient-regulated where you can get more meds by pushing a button. I would talk to your doctor in advance about your past experience and your concerns, so you can work out a plan of attack in advance.
I wanted a drug-free delivery, but after 6 hours of hard back labor at home, I asked for an epidural the minute I got into the hospital. I am pain-killer tolerant, meaning I usually need lots more pain medication/anesthesia than an average person my size, so I didn't think the epidural would work totally or last through delivery. Boy, was I wrong! :-)
I received my epidural around 7 am and that was the last contraction I felt. I had total control over my legs and could even lift my butt of the bed when asked, but didn't feel a single twinge of labor. I had no side effects from the epidural at all. I slept for a few hours, had my water broken, was put on Pitocin and at 1 pm started pushing. That was when I stopped loving my epidural-I couldn't feel the contractions at all or even the pressure of the baby's head. The nurses and my husband had to watch the monitor to tell me when I was having a contraction and when to push. It was hard to push because I couldn't feel anything, but I finally figured it out. After an hour of pushing, my beautiful daughter was born.
I will try to go drug-free again for the next one, however my doctor has told me I will probably have back labor each time and I will probably be begging for another epidural.
Good luck with your delivery!

I went the natural route; heard too many horror stories of epidurals gone bad, possibility of having to have a C-section because you can't feel to push (which I absolutely did NOT want to have), sister-in-law was paralyzed for a bit after hers... I also wanted to have a successful breastfeeding relationship with our daughter and heard that an epidural can hinder latching, etc.

I pulled it off. 36 hour labor with no epidural, all natural. Hey, it wasn't the easiest thing, but I had a Doula and my husband there and I was able to walk around, get in the shower, etc.

Would I do it all over again? Absolutely, in a heartbeat.

When I delivered my son 2 1/2 years ago I got an epidural when the timing was right for me to do so. I was already having really painful contractions. Nothing happened! So they tried again. Still nothing. Then the hospital brought in a different anesthesiologist for a third try. Again, nothing happened! Oh wait, that's right, my left knee fell asleep. Lot of good that did me. The new doc tried one more time and still, after 4 attempts, I had no pain relief and my numb knee meant I couldn't even walk around anymore.

I was destined for a natural childbirth experience and had certainly not planned on that! Hurt like hell.

Prior to the pushing, my OB gave the go-ahead for a narcotic pain med delivered by IV. Usually they don't do these beyond the earlier stages b/c it could slow down the baby's responses and affect the initial APGAR scores. However, he was just about to come out and they figured it wouldn't really have time to affect him. I felt totally high! After only 10 minutes or so of pushing, it was all over. Every time I closed my eyes, I believed I was in a field of flowers. I had no idea what was going on. So while the labor was unbelievably painful, the worst I'd ever felt, the actual delivery was fine.

But I wondered, if I had another would I get an epidural? After all, maybe my body just doesn't respond to that type of medicine. Two trained doctors trying in four locations would seem to mean that was so. If I do get pregnant again, I won't have one, for three reasons: 1. there's a good chance it won't work; 2. I have no maternity insurance and going drug-free is a great money-saver; and 3. I've done it once and lived so I know I can do it again!

You've already been through the pain once. You did it, suffered and got through it. This time why don't you think about -and perhaps plan on a natural childbirth and prepare yourself? Try Lamaze! Learn the breathing techniques, get a coach and have them learn them too. When you go into labor, you breathe in a pattern that follows the contraction, while keeping your eyes focused on an object you choose, like the corner of the ceiling and wall or a picture, etc. It subliminates the pain. Your brain is so busy following the pattern of the contraction, telling your body to breathe in rhythm with the ebb and flow of it, and looking at something with your eyes, that it doesn't notice the pain very much. You feel it, but you are busy, so you are not focused on pain. If you slip, your coach is there breathing with you, helping you. Most of the OB nurses know natural childbirth routines and will help too.

I had my two sons Lamaze, all of my friends did too. Our children are grown now and many of them chose natural childbirth.

When my oldest son was born he weighted 8lb 6oz and was 21 3/4 in long. I got up, walked out of the delivery room carrying him. I was a little sore and tired, but my happiness was greater. My second son was premature and tiny after a long labor, and I have always been greatful that I didn't introduce any medications into his system, which was already coping with being Rh compromised and jaundiced.

I have watched/coached a natural childbirth with Lamaze (my nephew) and one with an epidural (my granddaughter) and I can tell you which one was the more beautiful and triumphant experience. My sister-in-law was alert, in-control, and felt well. The baby was large and healthy. My daughter-in-law came to the hospital with contractions 2 min apart, dialated to 7, in a rapid labor. They gave her the epidural at 10:30 am and she began shaking, her back hurt and she vomited numerous times. Her labor slowed, the contractions moved to several minutes apart and the baby didn't come until the early evening. The whole time she was shaking and clutching a barf bag. The epi wore off 2 hours before she delivered and she was in agony with low back pain and pressure. She was white, moaning, sobbing and clutching the bed rail. I had tears in my eyes and my throat hurt watching her misery. We were all convinced that if she hadn't had that epidural, that she would have had the baby in the early afternoon with a lot less pain.

To me, having a baby is a normal function of our body, we need to educate ourselves prior to the birth. We should follow our bodies travel through the process, easing the pain with patterned breathing that provides oxygen for the baby, and allows the little one to enter the world without medications in it's system.

Whatever you choose, I hope your precious infant enters the world in good health and that your experience is a happy safe one!
[hugs]!

Yes, you can absolutely be hopeful you'll have a better experience the next time around.

It all boils down to the skill of the anesthesiologist. I had two deliveries at the same hospital, 20 months apart, with the exact same epidural medication, and I had two very different experiences. The one done by the experienced 50+ year old woman was great, the one done by the young guy that looked like he just got out of med school was not so good.

If you're not sure which way to go when you get to the hospital, ask the nurses who the anesthesiologist on call is and how long s/he's been practicing. That might help you decide.

Don't put too much weight on any one else's experience here. Not only is every person different, but epidural experiences can be different even in the same person.

I wish you a very smooth and painless delivery!

We went natural with my first baby, just used music and water as pain medication. It worked really well... I have a friend who self hypnotized, and had a great birth. I have another who had a the epidural with three of her four kids and each time was different. The first time didn't work at all, the second worked ok, and the third was perfect. She got to the hospital to late for the last one...
Good luck, relax as much as you can
R.

My first two deliverys were a breeze no epidural. However my thrid very painful and long, went with the epidural and this is NO LIE I was paralized for 4 /12 weeks after my son was born. My Dr. at the time said "This does happen sometimes not to worry I'll recover" When #4 came along I went totally natural again two hours after dilevery was up and walking. My yougers sister also has breathing problems with her epidural, If possible try for a natural birth yes it's painful but it sure beat not walking.
PS #4 weighed 10lbs 13 oz and was 23 1/2 inches. BUT I WALKED

Oh sorry sweetie, I know how bad it sucks to think you are going to have pain relief only to have no help at all! I went through that with my first epi, they just couldn't get it in, so I went all natural--not by choice! So because I had a rough experience the first time around, I just decided to skip the epi the second time. And just like you I was on this board asking for advice and opinions and I was pretty nervous. Let me tell you, my second delivery was soooooooooooooooooo much better that my first! It was shorter, the pushing was like nothing and I recovered very well. Now it was painful!! But, I don't know, I could just deal with it. I was more centered, I mean I had done it before, so I knew I could do it. I felt more in control. I brought along music and made sure I had the after delivery snacks I would want:) I focused on how wonderful holding my new little one would be, I looked up techniques on natural pain management and used them and I took ownership of the whole process by asking for exactly what I needed. If I didn't want the TV on, I said it. I made it my day and may environment what I needed it to be. So if you get that epi and are pain free, awesome!! But if for any reason you can't have it or decide not to get it, you can totally handle it:) My labor was 6 hrs and I pushed him out in 4 minutes flat!! The dr was blown away, and so was I!! I wish you a wonderful delivery and don't worry or be anxious, it will all be just great. Congrats!!!! Falling in love with your second is just as special as the first but you are less stressed and nervous:)

baby 1: the most severe pain w/back labor that the needle was a relief, i slept and they woke me for the pushing. (but it was also like 3 in the am)

baby 2: no back labor, the epidural needle HURT WORSE THAN THE LABOR PAINS! and evidentally gave it too me like 15 min before i started pushing. couldn't feel anything, including my pushing which i found irritating.

afterward recovery was another story
so yes, it worked.

Maybe it was a bad epidural. I had that once, with my first "scheduled" C section. It was a very painful experience getting the epidural and did numb me during surgery but soon after I had excruciating back pain and as soon as they removed the epidural it was instant relief. I expressed my concerns to my OB when pregnant with my last pregnancy and he said that the anesthesiologist probably did something wrong and he'll make sure has a different doctor do it this time around. I was still skeptical and terrified but he was right, it was just a bad epidural the first time and I didn't feel any pain getting my next one or have to take it out early, I actually didn't want them to take it out the second time around, it was numbing me so good I didn't have any pain with my C recovery. Don't worry yourself, request a different anesthesiologist and if it comes down to not working AGAIN, which most likely won't happen, I recommend you having the C over hours of suffering in labor. Yes it's a longer recovery but can be managed well with pain meds and much easier than hours of painful labor. I've had both painful vaginal delivery and painful C so there's really no easy route to having a baby.....but all worth it in the end and soon it will all be over with. Good luck to you and best wishes!

I had an epidural 11 yrs ago. It was wonderful! I'd been in labor 16 hrs and was ready for some pain relief. It took the pain away but did not make me sleepy. I was able to get some sleep while I was dilating and I could push fine when I needed to. Our son was born after 36 hrs labor. I'd never have been able to do it if I hadn't been able to get some rest over night.
I'd discuss your concerns with your doctor, and if possible, meet with the anesthesiologist before you are in labor. They should be able to help you have a better experience than what you went through with your first child.

I gave birth twice - totally drug free.
The third time, I insisted upon the epidural. It worked like a charm. Wish I had it with all three!

Have hope! I had a very similar experience with my first, the shakes, pain, vomiting and even though they came in and gave me the "max dose" several hours later, I still felt everything, could move my legs, etc. It was hellish!

My second I was SO nervous and did a lot to prepare to give birth naturally since even though I planned on getting an epidural again I didn't want to count on it working! I had it when I was about a 5, slept for a few hours, the nurse came in to wake me up and told me it was time to push! It was awesome! I couldn't feel anything so that made me a little nervous (I now know I could have had them turn it down a little if I'd wanted) but really it was fine, second time around I think you sort of know what to do and your body knows what to do. I had ZERO pain and it was a wonderful experience.

Just had my third 4 months ago and even though that labor was much much longer and more intense my epidural was great, lasted the entire time and again, I had a wonderful experience. This time I had a mirror to watch which really helped with pushing when I couldn't feel much.

So now I'm 2 for 3 and pretty happy about that. I, personally think it has a LOT to do with the anesthesiologist who does the epidural. I'm sure no one would ever admit that but the first time for me the girl had to try 3 times to get the right spot, I just wonder if she didn't have it in quite right or something. There is definitely a feeling I now know that means they have hit that "sweet" spot and I did not feel that the first time. I would ask the nurses if there is more than one anesthesiologist there to make sure you get the best one. They will know who is better since they work with them all the time.

When I arrived at the hospital I was nauseated so they gave me something for the nausea which made me super sleepy. I remember sitting on the side of the bed for the epidural but I didn't feel a thing. I feel asleep, they had to wake me up for the delivery. I didn't feel any pain or discomfot during the delivery either. I had a great sleep, baby arrived and I was ready to party..LOL

after reading a few stories maybe the body does react differently the second time around. My first was fine. I was induced at 7am. got my epidural around noon. Gave birth in 2 pushes at 3:04. The second was terrible. I had 4 doses of epidural and it only effected my right side. so I could feel it all on the left. So they wouldn't take my catheter out. The anisthesiologist (sp?) had to go off to an emergency so I had to deal with it. He did come back in the morning and explain that he think it may have been from scar tissue from my first that prevented the drug from converting to the left side. so weird.

Hi Anxious mama!
I had a similar experience with my labor too. I had an epidural that made me shake so much that I thought I was having a seizure and about 2 hrs before delivery it wasn't working and when I received the smaller doses, it didn't make a difference. I wasn't offered anything else and the last part of the delivery was all felt. I did however practice a great breathing exercise that my birthing coach taught me and it helped tremendously through the contractions and birth. All birthing experiences are different and you can research methods to help once the meds do not. Most of my friends have had similar experiences as well. I hope this easies your nerves alittle.

I was in labor 13 hours before I got my epidural. I was in extreme pain. But when I got the epidural, I wasn't in anymore pain. I was cold numb shaky and nauseous, but I could deal with that. I don't know about the pressure of pushing, because my daughter popped out while vomiting (lol) but I was able to rest comfortably for 7 hours before the nurse told me I was at 10 cm.

I gave birth 9 1/2 months ago and luckily my epidural totally worked. I requested for more after I felt that it was wearing off right before I started pushing.

I heard that epidural might not work for everyone but it also depends on how good the person is who administered it. I never realized that an epidural might not work until after I gave birth.

I was induced and didn't get the epidural until almost 24 hours later when I really started to feel my contractions. I did "push" when I was told to but I didn't really feel like I was pushing.

I had an epidural with two out of four deliveries, one natural, and one with a spinal block. I had no issues with the epidurals. I was numb but could still feel the pressure when I needed to push. The natural I could feel everything, but found that if I tried to relax and listen to the nurses' instructions, things progressed quickly. The spinal block numbed my lower half (I could still feel the pressure) for 2 hrs. Each delivery was different.
My advice is to do your best not to worry. Your next experience will not be the same. I found that deliveries after the first were easier. Even the natural, not my favorite, had a plus in that I recovered faster afterward. Just be positive and enjoy the experience.

I had an epidural with my daughter who was born a year ago. I knew ahead of time I was open to getting one if I felt I needed it- and about 11 hours into labor I would have given my house to anyone who would get me the drugs! Lol! Mine worked great (thankfully- because I ended up having a 27 hour labor!). My anesthesiologist actually gave me a "pain pump" so I could just push a button to administer more of the meds when the pain was getting intense again. A few hours before I delivered the nurses told me I was going to run out of the epidural meds in a few hours and they couldn't give me anymore than that. I pushed for 2 hours and she was out! I had 20 minutes left before it ran out- just enough to get stitched up (ewww!).
I agree- it could have been the anesthesiologist you had and every labor is different. My sister had an epi with all 3 of her kids and it worked great for the first two- and then not at all with her last (I think that's why it was her last.....Lol!).
Anyway...I love to hear from women who had a 5 hour labor and did it "naturally" (isn't it all "natural"- I mean....we are giving birth here!) and say they wouldn't do it any other way. That's great for them! But I had tons of Pitocin and a 27 hour labor- my other choice was a c-section. I'd take the pitocin and epidural over a c-section any day!!!!

I remember doing the shaking thing when I 1st got the epidural too. But the shaking stopped after a little bit. I was numb, completely. It worked for me. Like someone else said, I got the epidural only after a couple hours in labor :-) lol, I'm a wimp

I had an epidural with both children and had 2 very different experiences. The first I was in labor for a long time and got the epidural hoping to get some rest as I had heard stories about people napping after having one. Well, it only worked on one side. I felt everything on my right side. The worst part was that I could not get up and I felt that I would have been able to handle the pain better if I could have walked around. For the second I was very hesitant to even get one since the first experience was not all that great. I decided to do it and it worked better the second time around. It took the edge off, but I could still feel a lot and it was more intense on my right side and I think it completely wore off by the time it was time to push since I felt tons of pressure and I was really feeling the contractions. The second labor was much, much shorter though. I was told that could be due to the placement of the epidural or just something to do with my spine. Since it happened twice, I'm guessing it is my spine. Everybody else tells me that they were completely numb after the epi, but I always had feeling and could move my legs around. Best of luck with your decision.

I got stuck in transition for several hours (contractions 5-30 seconds apart) <laughing> you know... the part that's supposed to only last a few minutes? Oy.

So the anesthesiologist was brought in to do an epi at a last ditch attempt to avoid a c-sect. They turned it on "all the way" and I slept through the next several hours (I was still in "transition" for those hours, I just couldn't feel it). Then, after I woke up they started back off on the drugs until by the actual pushing stage, I could feel everything.

I build up a tolerance very quickly to drugs, so they really layed on the meds in the beginning in order for it to have any effect at all (general anethesia is a pain as well... It takes a lot for me to go under, and then I wake up mid surgery unless the anethesiologist is on his a-game).

Since this wasn't a planned epi... I have no idea how different it is from planned ones. With mine they left an IV like tube running to my spine (taped in place) and adjusted the amount of meds dripping in.

Updated

I got stuck in transition for several hours (contractions 5-30 seconds apart) <laughing> you know... the part that's supposed to only last a few minutes? Oy.

So the anesthesiologist was brought in to do an epi at a last ditch attempt to avoid a c-sect. They turned it on "all the way" and I slept through the next several hours (I was still in "transition" for those hours, I just couldn't feel it). Then, after I woke up they started back off on the drugs until by the actual pushing stage, I could feel everything.

I build up a tolerance very quickly to drugs, so they really layed on the meds in the beginning in order for it to have any effect at all (general anethesia is a pain as well... It takes a lot for me to go under, and then I wake up mid surgery unless the anesthesiologist is on his a-game).

Since this wasn't a planned epi... I have no idea how different it is from planned ones. With mine they left an IV like tube running to my spine (taped in place) and adjusted the amount of meds dripping in with the turn of a dial. Once naptime ;) was over, the anesthesiologist stayed in the room with me until kiddo was born. So he was there constantly adjusting the meds downward.

To know... low doses of painkillers INTENSIFY pain for me, and my body fights them. You might try doing the opposite of what you did last time. Start "normal" and then back off, instead of starting low and trying to maintain.

I have had 3 babies. i fully planned on using no pain meds...long story short-I have had an epidural 3x. 1 of those times was HORRIBLE! the other 2 were fine. so, I do not know what will happen w/ you, but just because you had a bad experience once does not mean you will a second time. Good Luck

I think every delivery is different including the epidural. My first one worked so well that I couldn't feel anything to push. we just waited around for a while then I pushed and she came out fine with little pain. Second baby was induced. I was already dialated to a 3-4 so I got my epidural right away and everything was great. Little pain at the end when pushing but all was good. Third baby was a whole different story. I was induced and they made me wait till I was dialated to 4. When they did the epidural finally, she put the needle too far and made a hole in the part that contains the spinal fluid. So I got the WORST headaches ever after delivery. During labor I was pretty comfortabe but by the time we were pushing I could feel everything down below. My belly was numb and I couldnt really feel contractions but everything else hurt.

I am just being honest about my experiences. I think every delivery is different. And all my deliveries were at different places thanks to the military. Only one of my babies was born at a military hospital, you could probably guess which one (the worst one)!!!

If I was pregnant again I WOULD get another epidural!

I had a spinal for 3 of my C-Sections and they were okay. I had to have an epidural for my last C-Section because I needed to be in surgery longer because of adhesions and a possible hernia repair. I hated the epidural. I'm not sure how it feels to have it for a vaginal delivery because I delivered my first baby without any pain meds and the rest were C-Sections. I hated the epidural but it worked for a Section...LOL

My epidural was absolutely wonderful. I was not numb but there was no pain at all. I felt pressure, I felt movement, I wanted to push and was able to do so. I got the epidural started within an hour of arriving at the hospital and had my sweet baby girl within the next hour. I hope you have such an easy delivery this time around!

Both of my deliveries were c-sections so I had a "spinal" that's what they would have given you if you would have given in. Anyhow, the first one - I didn't feel a thing when the started it - aftwerwards I started itching everywhere but they gave me benadryl and I was fine. But that was from the morphine. It was a painless procedure and by the next day I was up and running around like nothing. The second one however, I was bruised up and down my back, my lower back, my buttix my legs. The spinal worked to numb me but the anesthesiologist had to poke me about five times which was very painful. Afterwards I was shaky and very nautious they gave me medicine to help control that too. Not every experience is the same. It's like being pregnant twice - every pregnancy is different. I'm on my third and am due in October - I am nervous about it because it hurt like hell when I got the spinal but I have to stay positive and remember that every time is different. But what helped me the most is - I have a wonderful doctor and he held my hand the entire time and kept me calm.

My 1st time they dr was not paying attention and put it in 2 in too high and off to the side. It did not work. They had to come back in and redo it. It was so strong I could not feel anything so I pushed for 3 hours since I couldnt feel how hard I was pushing. The Dr. had to give me 3 episiatomies(sp?) use the Vacuum and Forcepts to pull out my 7#14 oz baby boy!

My 2nd time, was Perfect! Just enough to take the pain away, but I could still feel the pressure and the contractions (but only a little) not enough to hurt. After 3 pushes out came a 9#6oz baby boy.

*With the 1st and 2nd there was no pain during the epidural being put in*

My 3rd was a little different. There was pain and stinging when they administered the epidural. Then they had the epidural turned up too high, so it numbed me all the way up to my neck and I was having a hard time breathing. They turned it down and it was ok... for awhile. Then it was too weak and before they could come turn it back up it was time to push. Although it did take a tiny bit of pain away, I felt every contraction, every push. It hurt so badly that I didn't want to keep going. After about 30 mins of pushing my 8#1oz baby girl was born. I was shaking so badly afterwards and can remember then sewing me back up... It was not fun.

Can only speak to my first, so far, as I've got about 6 weeks to go until the next time around...
But with my first, I was in labor for 26 hrs, and got the epi about 9 hrs into that. After the epi, I felt nothing. I slept, watched TV, etc...totally comforatble. I felt the pressure when it was time to push, and had my son out in 13 minutes.

I'm hoping to have that same experience this next time around!

i had mine to early and by the time i got to the worst of it the epidural wore off. they tried to get me another dose but it couldnt catch up with my progress i went from being 6cm dialated to 10 in 15 minutes. the pain was so bad that when the nurse told me it would take about 2hrs of pushing since it was my first time i looked at her and said I don't think so I want this kid out now. 20 minutes latter i was holding my son.

everyone is different. talk to your docand let him know your concerns. I had to have a planned c-sect which became a emergancy c-sect 3 weeks early. after the surgery I was offerd pain meds I refused them. I did not want anymore drugs in my system bc I was planning to bf. I only took ES Ty and Mot. I am very sensitive to drugs so I am always cautious about taking them. I will tell you that a c-sect is not all that bad as soon as they had me off the cath I was up walking around the only pain I had was in my neck bc of the gas pressure build up from having been cut. other than that it was wonderful there is no way I will do a vbac. good luck

My water broke around 4 am and they had me do my epi around 7 am. I had no issues and it worked the entire time until my deliver at 3:45pm. I was nautious a little in delivery but mostly due to no food and being tired. I highly recommend it. I would say get it sooner than later though so that the dr. has plenty of time to adjust if necessary.

I also know the second baby generally comes faster than the 1st.

I dont know I feel totally opposite as you do. I did not want drugs, I went 8 hrs w/o and they they basically bullied me into pitocen and it went downhill from there. I got the epir. at 13 hours when they started to talk c-section! my epir. did not work I still felt it all so I was angry bc I had not wanted one in the first place!!! I even got a second round of drugs b4 the three hours of pushing which still lead to the c-section. I firmly beli. that if I did not let them do the pict. that I would have been fine bc they only gave it to me bc of failure to progress and w/ my first baby and I was worried I did not know what that ment and I let them talk me into stuff I did not want. I honestly was not in pain until I started the drugs, sorry if this is not what you are looking for I jsut get so mad when I think about how my day went......if you can try to watch the business of birth that will prove to be very interesting to you and might just help.......I dk though. xo

First baby- got an epidural, felt super relaxed and felt nothing to the whole time. Never felt another contraction (heaven after feeling them slowly build for 2 days straight!) I still felt nothing when it was time to push. I didn't even know if I was pushing hard or not. They assured me I was pushing hard enuogh. I also got the non-stop shaky, shivery chattery feeling. Not til it was time to push. I was not aware this was related to the epidural, I thought it was heightened hormonal state for when your body is really getting ready to deliver. Oh, after the birth, I couldn't feel my legs or walk for several hours. It was like being a paraplegic.
Second baby- different hospital. Got the epidural. definitely felt way more. Felt them put in a catheter and was acutely aware of the catheter most of the time. I was able to rest and relax but I still was aware of when the contractions were happening (much more tolerable though!). I ended up having to have a C-section so they upped the anasthesia for that and Ithen I felt nothing. I went thruogh the whole shivery-shakes thing again, which lingered around awhile after the baby was out. This time, for hours after the drugs were wearig off, my entire body was itchy.
Anyway, that's my experience. Good luck whatever you decide! It will definitely be different, no two births are alike!

I've only got my 15 month old daughter, but my experience with the epidural was just like your sisters. They gave me stadol and told me that was just going to curb the pain, Well it took away all the pain. I was sleeping as well, lol. I later got the epidural and I didn't feel anything, no nausea or shaking.

I'd say be more hopeful with it. I mean it's worth a try if you can't handle pain very well.

I don't know exactly what they gave you, but I had an epidural with 2 of my 3 children my first one was 23 years ago and my last one was 21 years ago, neither time did i get sleepy, it numbed me from the waist down, no side affects, and wore off quickly after delivery. Also it was done in the lower back once, for the duration of my delivery, what you are describing does not sound good nor sound anything like what I had. J. L

Updated

I don't know exactly what they gave you, but I had an epidural with 2 of my 3 children my first one was 23 years ago and my last one was 21 years ago, neither time did i get sleepy, it numbed me from the waist down, no side affects, and wore off quickly after delivery. Also it was done in the lower back once, for the duration of my delivery, what you are describing does not sound good nor sound anything like what I had. J. L

There is a difference between an Epidural and a spinal-block.
They are not the same.
For a c-section, it would probably be a spinal block.

I had an epidural. Then had to have an emergency C-section. Not because of the Epidural. But because I stopped dilating, not enough, and my baby had to come out although they tried everything until the very last moment they could wait.
For the c-section, I had a spinal block. And the Anesthesia Doc, was SO good. I LOVED him!
I had no complications nor un-even pain effects from either.
And no ill side-effects upon my baby. At all.
So thus, I had a combo epidural/spinal-block.

Here is a link, about both types:
http://www.pregnancy-info.net/labor_medication.html

good luck,
Susan

Like everyone has said, every person and pregnancy is different. I did alot of research during my first pregnancy (twins) and learned some techniques for relaxation. I had to be induced with pitocin and I managed the pain with lots of deep breathing and moaning and a few shots of something. But by the time I did decide to have the epidural it was too late. The first one was born and then labor stopped. two hours later when the contractions started again, I asked and got the epidural. It barely kicked in before the baby was out : ). That pregnancy I was only in labor for 4 hours. I think I pushed for 5 mins tops. Although I was pretty loopy from the meds! I slept for awhile and so I don't remember how the epidural felt afterwards as it wore off.

My third son ( the second pregnancy) I started labor at home in the middle of the night. Having never started without drugs, I didn't know what to expect so I went to the hospital but they sent me home. Around noon I was contracting pretty hard but was still able to talk and do things through them so I fixed lunch and then tried to put the twins down for a nap around 2. By then I had to stop and concentrate on relaxing on my exercise ball or squating so I decided I better go. We took the twins to a friends and drove to the hospital. I moved from admitting to the Labor and delivery room and by that time I had to squat and breath every 30 sec or so. the doctor barely made it and there was no time for and epidural. I pushed for maybe a minute. Total time at hospital before he was born: 15 min. No drugs at all. They barely had time to stick an iv needle in my arm.

My third pregnancy (fourth boy) was full term still born. they induced me after finding out he was dead with the equiv. of Pitocin around 10 pm. I slept on and off all night. I wanted really bad to have this one without meds but since he was dead i decided I would rather be comfortable since it wouldn't hurt him. They gave me morphine and something else alternately when I started to hurt. I got up and walked around alot after I woke up in the morning. Then they gave me an epidural drip in my back and a catheter. By the time the baby was born, I was numb from my stomach down. the nurse forgot to turn it off as we were looking at the baby and all that ( no need to rush him off) so I was numb for about 8 hours or so. But after it wore off and was able to get up it was just like my legs were partially asleep. I think I only pushed 10 min tops.

My family though has a history of fast deliveries. My mom almost didn't make it to the hospital with my sister.

So like I said it's different with every person and pregnancy. Usually each pregnancy is easier than the first because your body gets used to doing it. But sometimes the labor gets harder.
I think the greatest pain reliever is to learn to relax any way you know how and distract yourself from the pain, so you allow your body to do what it's supposed to. Getting up and moving around changing positions helps too.

S. ~
I've been an OB nurse for over 14 years, so have had a lot of experience with patients with epidurals. The epidural does not go throughout your system, so the nausea was not from the epidural...that is from labor..some women get more nauseaus than others. The body naturally shunts blood from where it's not needed at the time (like the stomach) and sends it where it's needed (like the uterus). That's one of the reasons most doctors don't let you eat while in labor. I would suggest if you start labor to only eat something light (or if you get induced). Also, the shaking is normal for labor...it's believed to be the hormones going crazy :) Nothing can really be done for that.
That said, the epidural works differently for everyone, and everytime. It's based on how well it is placed by the anesthesiologist. I have seen many, many epidurals work great! Some women have slept, like your sister, or sometimes they can feel the tightening of their abdomen, but no pain. However, I have seen some not work as well, such as yours. Sometimes anesthesia will replace it, usually not. Sometimes we can also give a half dose of Stadol through the IV along with the epidural if it's not working well. Just because it didn't get placed well or work well for you the first time does not mean that it won't be a good experience this time.
Another thing to remember is that first babies usually take alot longer to labor than subsequent babies. You could possibly go much faster, and maybe even miss the epidural all together (sorry to be a downer!).

Good luck!
D.

Hi Anxious Mama-

I am not sure what kind of responses you have gotten thus far, but I would like to give you some food for thought.

When it comes to L&D, our bodies are made for this process. One of the greatest hinderances to this process is fear. The fear contributed to your pain and it may have been your fears (especially after you started getting sick from something that you thought was going to "help" you) that resulted in such a long and intense labor. Part of delivering is letting go of all control including fears but we like being in control!! :-) L&D is therefore one of the hardest things we, as women, will ever do.

I think you need to spend some time analyzing your first birth. You need to debrief. You need to heal from it before you can follow through on this new experience. What made you fearful the first time? The unknown? You have that covered now. You understand birth and how it works. Caring for a new life? Well, while each child is different, you kinda have that covered too. Becoming sick? This is apparently common and actually may not have had much to do with the epi but rather was your body's way of purging in order to open up. With my first birth experience, I nearly lost it when I got sick. The second time it was not so unsettling and I was able to acknowledge that it was a part of a normal process.

I would also look at your support team and at your setting. When most other animals give birth, they are in some place quiet and protected and sheltered. We need to be in a quiet, protected, sheltered environment too. A hospital setting is often just the opposite with machines and buzzers and lots of chaos. This unsettledness and chaos contributes to the fear factor (even if you are not actually aware of it). By adding someone like a doula, who tend to be more respectful of the L&D process and a woman's body, you may be able to alter the state of the room and bring some calm. We didn't have time for anything special for either of my births, but I've heard folks mention nice scented candles and soft music to drown out the machines help too.

You also did not mention if you had taken any pre-delivery classes. Personnally I am an advocate of the Bradley method (with the right teacher - no one should ever, ever tell you that have failed at birthing for using/needing medical technology). Even though you have been through birth, it might be worthwhile to take another class. This will give you that environment to debrief in while refreshing the skills you may have forgotten or to learn something new to try. You did wonderfully and avoided that first C - a BIG BIG victory in todays medical environment!! And I congratulate you. Use the real-world knowledge you gained to improve on this new birth experience.

Lastly, never ever compare your unique birth story with someone else. They are as individual as the fingerprints on our hands. You were a wonderful birthing goddess before and you will be again. Trust your instincts and all that you have learned!!

Good luck - both in healing from your first birth and in learning how to open up and be accepting of the process so that you have an easier time this time.

~C.

I had two bad experiences with epiderals, and this time I'm going all natural! WIth my first, it stopped working completely an hour before I delivered and they cranked it up so high to try making it work again, that my legs swelled so bad I got stretch marks, and I couldn't get out of bed or pee on my own for HOURS after! The second time made me all tingly from the belly down - it was the foot falling asleep kind of tingle so it was painfully uncomfortabe. To top it off, the doc missunderstood that it was the epi causing the pain not contrations, so they gave me 2% lidocane making it 10x worse - if I could've gotten out of bed I wouldn't thrown myself off the roof!!! I spent most of my labor doing breathing excercises to get through the pain the epi was causeing. I say, if you've done it natural once (with a non working epi, you did!!), you can do it again!! This time take the advice I've seen others have already given, and take some classes to better prepare you on how to work through the pain. The breathing really helped me and also, it takes a lot of concentration and it's easier said then done, but when you have a contraction, relax your body - don't tense up. It's hard to do, but makes them far less painful!!

I had an experience like your sister, but it was still not a pleasant one in the end. I then had two totally natural deliveries (no drugs).

This is my suggestion... if you are not having the epidural, you can get up and move around. I'm guessing because you had the epidural in your back, you were stuck in bed. Laboring in a bed is horrible. Moving is the way to go. IF you opt to try it without, you can expect a much different experience because you will be able to be up and about as much as you like during labor. Get in the shower, the tub, move around the room, sit on the birthing ball... all much better than laying in a bed for labor.

Good luck with your decision and congrat's on the pregnancy!
Jessica