Did you take one?
Or not?
What influenced your decision and what would you recommend to other women about to deliver?
Re: epidural
My first delivery was without an epidural. The reason was that I got to the hospital real late. There was no time.
AT the second one, I decided to get an epidural but by the time the people came in to give it to me, I was really ready and things didn't work our right. They did give it to me but it caused more stress then good.
Personally, I preferred my first experience, but that's just me. People love the effects of an epidural. I guess my timings weren't right.
Re: epidural
of course you SHOULD take one. I was in such a pain, and I felt that ALL my veins would pop out while contracting. It was terrible. However, once the epidural was given - I was LITERALLY in heaven.
Re: epidural
^ I dont think anyone can say "of course you should" get one or you "of course you should not", its personal preference and people have reasons for both sides -which I am interested to hear. Alot of women take the epidural because they dont want the pain and also alot do not take epidural and choose a natural birthing method instead. Its important to remember that there are side effects of the epidural and women should be informed enough to make the right decision for themselves
Re: epidural
I'm "needle-phobic"..I hate needles and have been known to faint when I had to get one. Just the thought of a needle jabbed into my spinal column makes me break out in hives. The risks associated are just not worth it to me - aside from the fact that I'd do anything to get out of having a needle lol!
With my first, I waited so long to get to the hospital that he was born 15 minutes after we got there. With the other two, I had a red pen all ready to mark up the consent forms - "NO SPINAL MEDICATION whatsoever, for whatever reason".
I went thru 3 labors and deliveries with only half a dose of Nubain. They give half in the IV and the other half in an intra-muscular injection. (read: HUGE needle in the hip) so I told them to skip that part. All was fine, I endured and delivered and there WAS pain for sure...but never more pain than I could handle.
Think about it ladies....they jab a large-gauge needle into your spine. There is a risk of paralysis (very small risk for sure but a risk nonetheless). There is a bigger risk of leaking spinal fluid which can cause the most debilitating headaches you could imagine.
With my needle-phobia I think I'm not the one to ask about this lol! but to me...the risk is too great for a normal vaginal delivery...I'd prefer to deal with the pain that I was born to deal with yeah?
Re: epidural
Mama, What would you ahve done if you had to have a c-section (God forbid) as they do spinal or epidurals for that unless its an emergency. In my case, I had an epidural with my first and everything went fine, with my second, I suffred paralysis of my left leg. I am very lucky to have recovered after months though!. With this one they are going todo a c-scetion with a spinal, I am still scared.
Re: epidural
With each of my pregnancies, I told the docs at the very outset that I'd never agree to any kind of spinal anesthesia and that if I needed to have a c-section, they'd have to do general anesthesia. I made sure that they would agree to this and actually told them that I was going to put in writing that I refuse any type of spinal. They kind of giggled at me but understood. And they were SO kind after each birth, they made sure that the IV was removed within hours of the birth (with my promise to keep hydrated). There is no more risk with general anesthesia than there is with spinal and actually, if you get down to numbers, its my opinion that general may actually be safer than spinal. Its just that spinal is easier for the DOCS.
Eastern, you absolutely have every right to refuse spinal and tell them to do general. If this is what you want, tell your docs.
Sorry girls - I really apologize for making it look simple - but it’s heaven only after you go through hell first! I totally forgot about the hardship, since it was 8 years ago, but after reading some of the post I remember. Thank you ladies for reminding me :k:
okay - I really don’t know how many types of anesthesia’s there are, but for my first baby - I had the spinal epidural - now I remember after reading other posts… sorry it was almost 8 years ago. Ye I totally agree with what others say here about how risky it can get. It is the MOST uncomfortable shot you ever take - in the lower spine area. It was extremely painful, and now I remember the doctors struggling to put me on the side so they can insert that fat needle - it takes YOUR life away. My doctor was struggling to get it done right because I was not “behaving” well - with all the pain. At one point, I did feel that if I had moved while the needle was inserted in my spin- I would have definitely suffered a major damage in my spine. **(I forgot about the spinal epidural soon after - the most difficult part is the procedure itself).
**
**For the first pregnancy: **After the spinal epidural was given, I was in less pain initially and then almost no pain at all. Thank God, that at least we “feel” enough to be able to “push” - but it’s definitely not painful. I forgot about the spinal procedure as soon as I saw my baby. It is truly God’s gift for us women to be able to forget that pain so quickly and not be traumatized by it either!
**For my second time: **This was a different type of anesthesia - I think that was called the IV. This was TOTALLY HEAVEN right from the BEGINNING - and I want some more right NOW - it was that good! I don’t even remember when the IV was given - (which part of the contraction - the beginning or later - sorry I really do not remember) but as soon as the needle was in, on the arm - I was knocked out immediately. I remember waking up later - I don’t know after how long - but the dr. smiled and said it’s time to push! 
I would recommend the IV, from my experience.
Again, I’m sorry girls… the 2nd time around was so easy that I had even forgotten what I had been through the first time around. I hope I did not mislead anyone 
With each of my pregnancies, I told the docs at the very outset that I'd never agree to any kind of spinal anesthesia and that if I needed to have a c-section, they'd have to do general anesthesia. I made sure that they would agree to this and actually told them that I was going to put in writing that I refuse any type of spinal. They kind of giggled at me but understood. And they were SO kind after each birth, they made sure that the IV was removed within hours of the birth (with my promise to keep hydrated). There is no more risk with general anesthesia than there is with spinal and actually, if you get down to numbers, its my opinion that general may actually be safer than spinal. Its just that spinal is easier for the DOCS.
Eastern, you absolutely have every right to refuse spinal and tell them to do general. If this is what you want, tell your docs.
I did talk to the doctor and she said general is more risky for the baby etc. I have another ob's appointment later this month and shall see what they say.My last childbirth expereince was terrifying as I lost the use of my leg for everal months.It was avery tramautizing event for me. That'swhy I didn't even want more kids. Prayers needed.
Re: epidural
I took it the first time....had really bad backaches for years ...decided not to take one for the second time.I personally think not taking it lead to faster recovery.
Re: epidural
Eastern, all the docs will tell you that General anesthesia is more risky for baby than spinal...and probably it is - but there is risk with any surgery yeah? And if you look at the stats, I bet you'd find that the additional risk associated with general is very small. Why not spend some google time on the subject so that you get info on your own to add to the info that your doc has given you? You can make a better informed choice that way.
I've known more than a few women who had trouble after epidural. And also women who were so far along in labor that when they had to go for c-section, it was too late to give spinal so they had to go with general. No problems with any of them.
Its your body. And if you dont want a needle jabbed into your spine, dont let them do it. Just tell the doc straight up - **no spinal. **They do have to comply.
Either way, its your 3rd mashallah! Will keep you in thoughts and prayers until the happy day!
Re: epidural
any new comments/experiences with the epidural?
How did you girls manage to stay still when the dr delivered the anesthesia???
Are any of you going to get an epidural or will try to deliver without?
Hvae heard horror stories both ways--am confused as what I really want. The spinal shot freaks me out, but so do labor pains! Anyone experienced both??????
Re: epidural
Oh yes...epidural has to be the best thing ever...!!
I always knew I wanted one because I know I have a low threshold for pain...:( and going naturale is just not my thing...
It was not easy remaining still when the doctor was putting it in....I am not going to lie about it but my experience was that those few mins seemed a bit too long ...but once the drugs kicked in,it was all good...!!
It has been 13 months I had my baby,I did not experience any short term or long term side effects...AH.
Re: epidural
I want one for sure. My pain threshold is tiny and I have no desire to be a hero and go it sans pain relief when it's readily available. The prenatal class nurse said it goes in much lower than the spine and if a qualified anesthesiologist is giving it, which is what happens, then I'm good. In the end, Allah kheyr karey.
Re: epidural
A friend of mine got epidural and now she gets migraines, headaches very frequently when she is overworked (even little). Can epidural be the cause?
Re: epidural
^ what does her doc say?
Re: epidural
I asked her but she hasn't talked to the doc yet. She is the lazy kind, was saying oho appointment laini paray gi and what not which i think is very foolish!
Re: epidural
I always knew before having kids or even getting married that when time came I would want an Epidural.
I did end up getting one with all three of my labors. After third time I constantly had pain in that spot for 3-4 months post partum.
Getting it in place is a little hard but you have trained staff and your husband (yeah he better) to help you. Once it kicks in which is almost immediately, you are in heaven.
One thing you have to remember is that it helps with pain nerves not pressure nerves. I had a pretty bad experience with it during my first labor which went on for over 30 hours, plus there were some other complications (not related to the epidural but some other stuff).
Does any of this mean I regret getting it? Absolutely not!
Infact the third time as soon as the nurses checked me in I told them I wanted an epidural in due time. Yeah I was very eager to get it. :D
Re: epidural
Getting it in place is a little hard but you have trained staff and your husband (yeah he better) to help you. Once it kicks in which is almost immediately, you are in heaven.
I agree...it is not fun when they are putting it in,but then nothing about labor is fun...except when it ends...:D
I had great nurses who helped me through the whole thing.My husband was there too and I was leaning onto him and he was holding my hand when right in the middle of it all he thought *he *was going to faint...!!!...The nurse had to show him the chair and made him sit...
That was the only brief second or two when I actually forgot about what was happening to me...:D
Re: epidural
I would've taken it, no question.
But I ended up having a c-section with spinal numbing.