Epidural vs. NO Epidural

kelley92405

So today I went to my obgyn for my anual visit, while I was there I put out the feelers that we MIGHT be thinking about getting pregnant this year.  So, she asks me if there has been any change in my medical status over the last year, I tell her I had a spinal fusion in Oct.  She gets this look on her face and is like "oh you weren't expecting to have an epidural when you deliver were you??"........Ummmmm, YEAH I sure was.  So she goes on to tell me that I might not be able to get a epidural b/c of where I had the fusion (L4/L5) and I would have to have a consult with a anestesiologist (sp?) AFTER I get pregnant to see if that would be an option for me or not.  I asked her if I could go before becoming pregnant and she said they don't usually do that.  She also told me that if I had to have a c-section that I would have to be put under if I'm unable to have a epidural.......so now this puts a whole different spin on this whole having kids situation!  UGH!  I can tollerate pain well but there is a limit!!!  Does anyone have any similar experience with any of this????

brittle

I had an epi, but if it came down to not having an epi or not having kids, I'd choose the kids anyday!  Pain is temporary!

IT'SRACHEL

my first two kids i had an eppi, with the 3rd i did not. it was not by my choice i was to far by the time i got to the hospitol to get one,

i have to say that was the best i felt after delivery. and the intense pain was gone right after he was out, it was like a huge relief feeling actually.

maybe you will be fine with just a little iv drug to take the edge off.

hungryturtle

I had one but it failed after an hour. It was such an awful experience that I do not plan to have one again and I'm hoping to go natural next time. If you know ahead of time, you can research your options--Bradley, Lamaze, hypnobirthing, etc. and be prepared. Certainly don't let this stop you from having kids!!

iheartsean

With my three children, I haven't had  a successful epideral.

With Koley they tried 3 times.  It just didn't take.  I delivered him vaginally without any pain meds and he weighed 9 lbs 15 ounces.  It was awful but I went on to have (well almost 3 more)

With Lane and Abbie it took on the first time on just the left side.  I guess in theory I had some relief but still felt everything.

Believe it or not you will forget and the reward GREATLY outweighs the negative.

Best wishes!

 

OSUfish123

I'm in a similar situation as you.  I have severe scoliosis with spinal stenosis and protrustion of L4-L5.  My ob/gyn informed me an epi might not be possible because of it.  I don't really mind though, I was planning on trying a natural delivery anyhow. 

aleeandbry

I may not be able to have an epi due to minor scoliosis.  I don't know for sure but I didn't know any of this before I got pg so I guess I didn't have to face the choice you are making.  They can still give you pain medication through IV, just not an epi per se.  I agree with the pp that it really shouldn't affect your decision on whether or not to have children.  Women were delivering babies without epis for a loooooong time.

MustangGirl75

I did not have an epi because of the risk of paralysis from it. I just reminded myself that millions of women have had natural childbirths and if they could do it- I can too. I rented a movie about Lamaze from the library. Listened to some of their suggestions and was good to go. Was it painfree? Absolutely not, but it was ok and I got through it just fine. I especially liked that afterward I wasn't drowsy and was able to enjoy the baby.

There are other options to help with pain. As far as medication, they can give you demerol through your IV, I believe. Also, St. Ann's (as well as others) offers a few different pain management classes for labor. One of them is a hypnosis class that I have heard is pretty good.

As far as having a C-section, if they have to put you under, I'm pretty sure you can request that no one holds the baby until you do.

brainstorm102

I just wanted to say that I'm sorry you have this ordeal to work through.

cassiehunt

This would be a huge shock if you were already planning on it. But I absolutely agree with the other ladies, the children are totally worth the temporary pain.

YourSong

I didn't hear anyone mention waterbirths.  I've heard they are making a come-back in popularity because the water takes away a lot of the pressure feeling.  Also, the gravity helps to pull the baby down.  (Makes sence to me)  Also, the idea that the baby might drown has been proven untrue.  The water is like they are still inside mom.  I'm not pg, and haven't been.  Just thought I'd share some more ideas if an epi doesn't work out for you.

Jody81

Don't fret over this! I didn't get one until I was 9 cm and it didn't kick in until I was already 10 cm. I could have gone without it, seriously! I would not base the decision to have kids on whether or not you can have an epi. Because if you can't, many women for thousands of years have been having them...that was the thinking that got me to 9 cm! There are also other pain medications you can take through your IV (on your wrist) that work really, really well...I tried one of them and would have been fine with just that.