I have been hearing from a few friends, who have recently given birth, that the epidural did not work for them or wore off too early etc. I know that I might end up wanting it because in my previous pregnancy, when I was induced at 18 weeks, I couldn’t take the pain and was begging for something which was given, but it was via the IV. I have had a spinal block for a cerclage in this pregnancy, which completely numbs you down from the abdomen downwards. I couldn’t feel a thing with the spinal. So with an epidural, how effective is it in terms of numbing? What do you end up feeling regardless?
Re: Epidural and how effective it is
I felt nothing. How effective it is has a lot to do with the anesthesiologist in charge and the doctors and nurses around you. Research your hospital choices well and ask all of these questions of them before deciding where you want to give birth. An epidural is a medication like any other. If it is not administered properly, you’ll have issues.
Re: Epidural and how effective it is
Thanks sgc!
I am going to deliver at the same hospital where I had my cerclage and the spinal they gave me was done well.
At what point did you get yours? I know if you get it too early it can start wearing off later. Oh and I wonder if I had a reaction to the spinal does that mean I’ll have the same to reaction with the epidural. The spinal made me shake out of control.
Re: Epidural and how effective it is
Ask the doctors that for sure!
I didn’t shake after but I was very numb for a while and my blood pressure dropped pretty sharply after having a C. This is a good article for potential side effects and questions to ask your doc: Spinal and epidural anesthesia: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
i got mine at 3cms- I know, I’m a wuss! I had the clicker in hand and it didn’t wear off until a couple of hours post-baby.