Epidural choices?

[Reine]

Looking for some advice from the experts who have had babies (Dr's don't count as experts as they only know "their way")

i am terrified of epidurals, compleatly freaked by the thought, i would prefer to be split in two than have one.

Is there ever a case where you have to have one in an emergency? do you get a say in this case?

if you need an emergency C section will they do a general if you refuse a epidural?

thanks for any input.

[mc]

If you need an emergency C section you will have a general as it's quicker to administer.  No one will give you an epidural without your consent.  

[all1nson]

I had epidurals - out of choice - I screamed the place down until I got one, with both my children.  I have had no ill effects and both my children were born naturally, without the aid of forceps, ventuse or whatever.

However, it has to be a personal decision.  Before having my first daughter I said I would do the labour bit as naturally as possible....when it came down to it I was in so much pain, I decided to go ahead with the epidural. (I have a low pain threshold!!!!!).

Try to go to the birth of your baby with a fairly open mind, so that you don't have to make snap decisions about things at a time when urgency may be needed.

Bear in mind, that if you already have an epidural in place and something happens with the baby which mean you need an emergency cesarian, this can be done immediately.

Good luck with whatever you decide....

[This message has been edited by all1nson (edited 06-09-2002).]

[abc]

No, do not rely on "emergency" epidurial.
I preordered mine and until the doctor came with couple of hours delay (after some emergency in the next-door room) it was useless to put it. The anaesthetic starts working half-hour after the injection was put.
If you are afraid of the injection, then you'll definitely be horrified from the birth pain. For your info, well done epidurial is considered healthier than any general anaesthetic, which carries more risk - both for you and for the baby. Ask your doctor.

[youngmommy]

In a real emergency doctors will use general anaesthesia administered via a gas mask or injected into your iv drip, assuming you're already hooked on one. These two will knock you out almost instantly. Epidurals typically take 15 to 20 minutes to put in and kick in and it wouldn't make sense to wait that long if it's a real life threatening situation.

Don't forget that it's your birth, your choice. If it's really bothering you now, I suggest you talk to your doctor about possible scenarios where you might need emergency anaesthesia and your options so that you can make an informed choice.

Best of luck.

[Rosie]

Reine,

What is it about the epidural that freaks you out?  Is it the thought of the needle going into your spine?  Or possible subsequent complications?

I had a full epidural when my first child was born and I can honestly say it was fantastic.  I hardly noticed the epidural going in (they give you a local anaesthetic before the biggie goes in), as the pain of the contractions was getting quite severe by then.  Once the effect kicked in, it was wonderful to be able to see the contractions increasing on the chart without being able to feel any pain.  My husband also felt much more relaxed once I'd had it, as he was getting pretty stressed watching me labour without any pain relief.

Once I was fully dilated and needed to push (about 5 hours later), I was able to do so.  I'm sure if I had been labouring in agony for all that time, I'd have been totally exhausted and not able to get the baby out.

I'm now considering what to do for my next one, but I think it's highly likely I'll opt for an epidural again, assuming there's time.

There's some useful stuff on an earlier thread (entitled GA vs. epidural), which you may want to have a look at.

Good luck!

[Bay]

Hi

Just had an epidural with a c-section and didn't feel a thing.  Had to ask the Dr if he'd put it in!!!

Also had a reaction to the narcotics in the epidural and puked my guts up for 8 hours afterwards, so I feel obliged to point out that they can have some side effects.

At least with an epidural you see the baby right away ( which you don't with the general) and also with a general the anaesthesia gets into the baby and makes them groggy for days which is less than ideal.

If you're dead set against you might be interested in hearing that there is a significant amount of research supporting the fact that women who have a doula (labour support person) have much lower rates of epidurals and other interventions.  I assume this is due to less stress and feeling better supported through the process. It might be something to consider.

Good luch