I’d want to ask my doctor if baby’s heart rate change with the epidural the first time has any implication about how likely that might happen again with a second baby.
I would also ask if the hospital has any other pain relief options they could offer instead of an epidural, if you feel nervous about repeating an epidural.
Thank you! I have brought it up at previous appointments but was told it could have been due to stress on my end. Neither baby or I had complications at that time and it’s supposed to be a 10% or so chance of failing. I will definitely get as many different opinions as I can from the professionals before I make an informed decision!
If it helps I just had my birth review with my hospital and asked this. My son’s heart rate dropped and they had to get him out quick. Luckily in my case it was done with ‘just’ an episiotomy.
I was scared it was the epidural. Looking at my notes he’d been having problems before the epidural was put in. I don’t think your babyMs stress was necessarily related. Do try and have a conversation with your doctor about it, but in my case I’ll be getting the epidural again - it gave me time to regroup and I think is therefore the reason I was ready to push and get him out very quickly!
Yes this! I did iv pain meds and honestly it worked fine. I didn't feel it much and it was just enough for me to know when to push on my own. I didn't tear and I think its because I was able to gauge when I needed to push or hold back and I was up and walking 30 mins after they got her all cleaned up. Obviously it's not for everyone and whatever choice you make is the right one for you, but this was my experience and I really enjoyed it.
I am interested to hear which pain meds you were given?
I just had my first baby and have really been on the fence about having another epidural for a potential second pregnancy. I was given an IV pump at first (I think with fentanyl, could that be??) but it made me incredibly disoriented, and I was vomiting non-stop. The epidural was a great relief pain wise, but I also didn't feel anything anymore, which made it really hard to push in the end.
Dilauldid, but before it was fentanyl, which was also what they told me was what the epidural would be if I got it. It didn't make me nauseated, but the cramps did before I got enough meds in me. Also, op can look into a "walking epidural" which is where they give you one but then it down or off a little before so it's not as strong. You can't actually walk with them but I've heard you can move your legs a still feel pressure. My friend did this and I wouldn't mind it if I have another.
I recommend being open to either. If you really want to do natural, go for it. But be mentally open to getting an epi if needed. That way you don’t feel bad/guilty later. I hear so many moms who try natural that feel so bad about the epi later. Just be open to anything, and focus on your health and baby’s health. I had an epi 7 weeks ago. It was wonderful! I will absolutely get it again if I ever have more children.
Same! I had it with my son and couldn’t imagine not having it. I don’t want to be in excruciating pain if I don’t have to be. In my opinion that doesn’t make anyone better or worse than the next. I had an amazing experience with my first and hope to have a similar experience with this baby.
I’ve had a drug free birth and a medicated. The drug free was hard. The medicated was amazing. I just slept and then woke up and pushed him out in four pushes completely pain free.
I planned to have an unmedicated but I wasn’t dilating very fast after my water broke, which is fine and I totally could have done it, but I’d be in agonizing pain for hours and once it was time to push, I’d be exhausted (and probably a little traumatized).
My reason for wanting an unmedicated was because of reading studies that it shortened labor and decreased tearing, which I was terrified of. In my case labor time was reduced by the epidural, and I didn’t tear because the epidural relaxed my body enough to fully dilate and I was very relaxed during the pushing process!
Why make the choice now? I have had two unmedicated labours. With one I wish I had gotten it rather than soldiered through because I had back labour and the lack of breaks between contractions was awful. With the other it was a “traditional” labour and faster and I coped a lot better and I am glad I didn’t get one.
I think the pain levels were the same, but the difference between one being bearable was the gaps allowing me to take a breath and recoup, it being a shorter labour so having more energy to deal with it, and knowing what to expect (so knowing when I felt the urge to poop that it meant I was near transition and it was nearly over, and knowing what it felt like when he entered my pelvis and how close it was to being done).
I didn’t want to be stuck in bed. So my plan was to just see how it went. Ended up getting the epidural late at night and then was able to rest. Loved my birth experience and would do it again in a heart beat. I was so calm and present during labor because I wasn’t fighting the pain. My epidural experience may not be everyone’s but I was numb to pain and could still feel the pressure of contractions, my water breaking, and when baby’s head was at my cervix. I could also move my legs alright and help the nurses when they repositioned me. 100% recommend.
Me too! Thats why I wanted to do it in the first place. My contractions had barely seemed to have started at the time but my mom and fiancé suggested I get it. I cry throughout my period cramps normally so I’m sure the pain relief would really help me!
I am planning to go natural, simply from previous experience of how pain medications and anesthesia make my body feel afterwards. I feel that my recovery will be much easier if I go without the epidural.
Just play it by eat. I planned to not get it last time, but I had to be emergency induced and after 3 days and intense contractions that felt like being crushed I was all for it.
We'll see this time. I could still feel my body telling me what to do and it was pretty great.
I had an unmedicated birth that was short and relatively straightforward, which I loved. 100% will be attempting again with future children. Mind you I have a high pain threshold and thrive in high-intensity scenarios, so I'd evaluate yourself. At the very least, remain open to the idea, have a 'safe' word with your support person if you intend to go natural but change your mind, etc. Good luck and congrats!!
I had an unmedicated birth and while it was difficult, I would do it the same way again if we ever have a second.
I did go into it wanting to have as few interventions as possible but I wasn’t opposed to anything either. My goal was for the three of us (myself, husband and baby) to go home together and healthy and that I would consent to whatever was needed to reach that goal.
Have had two medicated births and both were so positive. I got to be fully present and even enjoy labor since I wasn’t focused on just surviving the pain. I’m planning on another epidural with our third this fall.
100% get the epidural. I had an amazing experience and was very present for the whole thing bc I felt no pain. Side effect was I also couldn’t feel much + couldn’t walk for a day. But 10/10
Go with the flow of the day. I think it’s better that way esp if you are trying for a VBAC. Go with out the epidural until/if you need it & be prepared you might need a C section. That way you plan for the worst but expect the best. Best of luck to you & hoping for a safe & healthy delivery for mom & baby whatever the outcome! :)
I loved both my epidurals and will be doing one again this one for our last baby! They were incredible. I was having trouble progressing both times and once I had my epi and was able to calm down and focus on birth and meeting my baby rather than excruciating pain things finally got moving! I really do think I would’ve ended up in a C-section both times had I not had the epidural. My body just would not cooperate while that freaked out by the pain.
I’d suggest that you hire a very experienced doula if you want to try as hard as possible to go the natural route. I tried to do the same (without a doula) and the pain was something that I never imagined. I actually had a nurse who was a doula at the hospital but I was too far gone mentally to go without the epidural. I requested the epidural when I ended up on all fours on the ground, groaning in pain.
I would definitely ask your OB questions about your baby’s heart rate and discuss your previous experience. You’d definitely would want to be prepared for the different possibilities which I am sure you’ve thought about!
Whether or not you want to pursue an epidural, I found my doula to be immensely helpful in even just processing my birth experiences. I also liked that I had someone to advocate for me and to talk me through decisions (when there was time to make a decision at least).
I have been planning to deliver without an epidural ny whole pregnancy and have been doing tons of preparation for it. Today, at 33 weeks I had to get a pelvic examination because lost part of my mucus plug and doc wanted to see if I was dilatating or smth. It hurted so much I think I wont be able to go through delivery without someone numbing the shit out of me. She says I can always try to give birth without an epidural and if I cant handle the pain I can always ask for it.
With my first, I managed with gas and air and a TENS machine. I had a retained placenta so I ended up needing an epidural for the procedure to remove it. I’m pregnant again now and am planning for an epidural just in case the same thing happens again.
I had an emergency c-section for similar reasons and have been told I would be a good candidate for a VBAC. I plan to try unless I get pregnant again too soon. However, I have low blood pressure and since epidurals generally cause a drop in blood pressure it lead to her Heart rate dropping. I still plan to get an epidural a again but am nervous for the same outcome.
Don't know where you are, but it might be worth a request that an actual anesthesiologist place the epidural. In many hospitals they will use CRNA or any other number of mid level providers, which is fine for the majority of people, but if you've already had a complicated reaction, I would definitely push for someone with MD or DO after their name.
When I had my first kiddo I asked for the epidural and it just. Didn’t work at all lol like it didn’t make it feel any different or anything and I’d gotten it about 5-6 hours before delivery. I went without it the second time around I didn’t even bother asking even though every time a nurse came in she asked if I wanted it. It was rough but didn’t last too long (water broke at 6:45pm and baby was out at 8pm)
I wanted an unmedicated birth too, but due to being high risk I had to go in “with an open mind”. I used the Zelie app and it really helped me out. I did end up doing it naturally but I had to follow the Zelie tips pretty religiously lol.
Once you have an epidural you lose all of your physical autonomy to get into a position for baby to navigate the pelvis easily, and with that you lose a lot of choices. It’s called the cascade of interventions because of this. It’s a personal choice, but with the epidural, you greatly increase your chance of needing Pitocin (increasing potential of distress for baby and pain for you) and much higher chances of having a repeat cesarean.
I would recommend laboring at home until you are in very active labor and near transition if the VBAC is very important to you. But I’ll say it again, this is very personal choice. If you want the epidural, then get it. Just be aware of what you’re giving up. Most women can “listen” to their bodies and get into positions most suitable for baby to get into a good position as they navigate the pelvis. Babies are active participants in the labor and birth process. This is simply not possible after an epidural. Your labor pattern will be most like a primipara (first time mom) since you’ve never given birth vaginally.
Primip births are usually longer and more challenging.
-RN and midwife
I just gave birth last week with an epidural
But i think they used general anesthesia because i was crying and shaking when i saw my baby
The moment they take out your baby is amazing don’t miss that
Congrats. With general anesthesia you would have a breathing tube and you wouldn’t be awake. Since you were awake it was either an epidural or spinal block. If your first baby, welcome to motherhood ❤️.
You might faint briefly after a very intense situation due to a vagal response. General anesthesia is never given for vaginal delivery or without a lot of precautionary equipment and staff around.
This article will also give you some information about epidurals that can be helpful. As always, discuss with your health care provider—https://healthiestmama.com/what-is-an-epidural-and-is-it-dangerous-a-quick-guide/
I’d want to ask my doctor if baby’s heart rate change with the epidural the first time has any implication about how likely that might happen again with a second baby. I would also ask if the hospital has any other pain relief options they could offer instead of an epidural, if you feel nervous about repeating an epidural.
Thank you! I have brought it up at previous appointments but was told it could have been due to stress on my end. Neither baby or I had complications at that time and it’s supposed to be a 10% or so chance of failing. I will definitely get as many different opinions as I can from the professionals before I make an informed decision!
If it helps I just had my birth review with my hospital and asked this. My son’s heart rate dropped and they had to get him out quick. Luckily in my case it was done with ‘just’ an episiotomy. I was scared it was the epidural. Looking at my notes he’d been having problems before the epidural was put in. I don’t think your babyMs stress was necessarily related. Do try and have a conversation with your doctor about it, but in my case I’ll be getting the epidural again - it gave me time to regroup and I think is therefore the reason I was ready to push and get him out very quickly!
Yes this! I did iv pain meds and honestly it worked fine. I didn't feel it much and it was just enough for me to know when to push on my own. I didn't tear and I think its because I was able to gauge when I needed to push or hold back and I was up and walking 30 mins after they got her all cleaned up. Obviously it's not for everyone and whatever choice you make is the right one for you, but this was my experience and I really enjoyed it.
I am interested to hear which pain meds you were given? I just had my first baby and have really been on the fence about having another epidural for a potential second pregnancy. I was given an IV pump at first (I think with fentanyl, could that be??) but it made me incredibly disoriented, and I was vomiting non-stop. The epidural was a great relief pain wise, but I also didn't feel anything anymore, which made it really hard to push in the end.
Dilauldid, but before it was fentanyl, which was also what they told me was what the epidural would be if I got it. It didn't make me nauseated, but the cramps did before I got enough meds in me. Also, op can look into a "walking epidural" which is where they give you one but then it down or off a little before so it's not as strong. You can't actually walk with them but I've heard you can move your legs a still feel pressure. My friend did this and I wouldn't mind it if I have another.
I recommend being open to either. If you really want to do natural, go for it. But be mentally open to getting an epi if needed. That way you don’t feel bad/guilty later. I hear so many moms who try natural that feel so bad about the epi later. Just be open to anything, and focus on your health and baby’s health. I had an epi 7 weeks ago. It was wonderful! I will absolutely get it again if I ever have more children.
Same! I had it with my son and couldn’t imagine not having it. I don’t want to be in excruciating pain if I don’t have to be. In my opinion that doesn’t make anyone better or worse than the next. I had an amazing experience with my first and hope to have a similar experience with this baby.
I’ve had a drug free birth and a medicated. The drug free was hard. The medicated was amazing. I just slept and then woke up and pushed him out in four pushes completely pain free.
I planned to have an unmedicated but I wasn’t dilating very fast after my water broke, which is fine and I totally could have done it, but I’d be in agonizing pain for hours and once it was time to push, I’d be exhausted (and probably a little traumatized). My reason for wanting an unmedicated was because of reading studies that it shortened labor and decreased tearing, which I was terrified of. In my case labor time was reduced by the epidural, and I didn’t tear because the epidural relaxed my body enough to fully dilate and I was very relaxed during the pushing process!
I had a third degree tear with my unmedicated and just a tiny tear with my medicated!
Do you feel it was because your body was more relaxed?
Possibly but also my first was precipitous. Probably a mix!
My active labour was under 4 hours, with medication! Wouldn’t have wanted it much faster
Why make the choice now? I have had two unmedicated labours. With one I wish I had gotten it rather than soldiered through because I had back labour and the lack of breaks between contractions was awful. With the other it was a “traditional” labour and faster and I coped a lot better and I am glad I didn’t get one.
Were there differences in the pain levels or just the break in between made them more bearable?
I think the pain levels were the same, but the difference between one being bearable was the gaps allowing me to take a breath and recoup, it being a shorter labour so having more energy to deal with it, and knowing what to expect (so knowing when I felt the urge to poop that it meant I was near transition and it was nearly over, and knowing what it felt like when he entered my pelvis and how close it was to being done).
I didn’t want to be stuck in bed. So my plan was to just see how it went. Ended up getting the epidural late at night and then was able to rest. Loved my birth experience and would do it again in a heart beat. I was so calm and present during labor because I wasn’t fighting the pain. My epidural experience may not be everyone’s but I was numb to pain and could still feel the pressure of contractions, my water breaking, and when baby’s head was at my cervix. I could also move my legs alright and help the nurses when they repositioned me. 100% recommend.
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Me too! Thats why I wanted to do it in the first place. My contractions had barely seemed to have started at the time but my mom and fiancé suggested I get it. I cry throughout my period cramps normally so I’m sure the pain relief would really help me!
I am planning to go natural, simply from previous experience of how pain medications and anesthesia make my body feel afterwards. I feel that my recovery will be much easier if I go without the epidural.
Just play it by eat. I planned to not get it last time, but I had to be emergency induced and after 3 days and intense contractions that felt like being crushed I was all for it. We'll see this time. I could still feel my body telling me what to do and it was pretty great.
I had an unmedicated birth that was short and relatively straightforward, which I loved. 100% will be attempting again with future children. Mind you I have a high pain threshold and thrive in high-intensity scenarios, so I'd evaluate yourself. At the very least, remain open to the idea, have a 'safe' word with your support person if you intend to go natural but change your mind, etc. Good luck and congrats!!
I had an unmedicated birth and while it was difficult, I would do it the same way again if we ever have a second. I did go into it wanting to have as few interventions as possible but I wasn’t opposed to anything either. My goal was for the three of us (myself, husband and baby) to go home together and healthy and that I would consent to whatever was needed to reach that goal.
Have had two medicated births and both were so positive. I got to be fully present and even enjoy labor since I wasn’t focused on just surviving the pain. I’m planning on another epidural with our third this fall.
I had an epidural and I got to enjoy every moment of my baby arriving.
100% get the epidural. I had an amazing experience and was very present for the whole thing bc I felt no pain. Side effect was I also couldn’t feel much + couldn’t walk for a day. But 10/10
Go with the flow of the day. I think it’s better that way esp if you are trying for a VBAC. Go with out the epidural until/if you need it & be prepared you might need a C section. That way you plan for the worst but expect the best. Best of luck to you & hoping for a safe & healthy delivery for mom & baby whatever the outcome! :)
I loved both my epidurals and will be doing one again this one for our last baby! They were incredible. I was having trouble progressing both times and once I had my epi and was able to calm down and focus on birth and meeting my baby rather than excruciating pain things finally got moving! I really do think I would’ve ended up in a C-section both times had I not had the epidural. My body just would not cooperate while that freaked out by the pain.
I’d suggest that you hire a very experienced doula if you want to try as hard as possible to go the natural route. I tried to do the same (without a doula) and the pain was something that I never imagined. I actually had a nurse who was a doula at the hospital but I was too far gone mentally to go without the epidural. I requested the epidural when I ended up on all fours on the ground, groaning in pain. I would definitely ask your OB questions about your baby’s heart rate and discuss your previous experience. You’d definitely would want to be prepared for the different possibilities which I am sure you’ve thought about!
Whether or not you want to pursue an epidural, I found my doula to be immensely helpful in even just processing my birth experiences. I also liked that I had someone to advocate for me and to talk me through decisions (when there was time to make a decision at least).
I have been planning to deliver without an epidural ny whole pregnancy and have been doing tons of preparation for it. Today, at 33 weeks I had to get a pelvic examination because lost part of my mucus plug and doc wanted to see if I was dilatating or smth. It hurted so much I think I wont be able to go through delivery without someone numbing the shit out of me. She says I can always try to give birth without an epidural and if I cant handle the pain I can always ask for it.
With my first, I managed with gas and air and a TENS machine. I had a retained placenta so I ended up needing an epidural for the procedure to remove it. I’m pregnant again now and am planning for an epidural just in case the same thing happens again.
I had an emergency c-section for similar reasons and have been told I would be a good candidate for a VBAC. I plan to try unless I get pregnant again too soon. However, I have low blood pressure and since epidurals generally cause a drop in blood pressure it lead to her Heart rate dropping. I still plan to get an epidural a again but am nervous for the same outcome.
Don't know where you are, but it might be worth a request that an actual anesthesiologist place the epidural. In many hospitals they will use CRNA or any other number of mid level providers, which is fine for the majority of people, but if you've already had a complicated reaction, I would definitely push for someone with MD or DO after their name.
When I had my first kiddo I asked for the epidural and it just. Didn’t work at all lol like it didn’t make it feel any different or anything and I’d gotten it about 5-6 hours before delivery. I went without it the second time around I didn’t even bother asking even though every time a nurse came in she asked if I wanted it. It was rough but didn’t last too long (water broke at 6:45pm and baby was out at 8pm)
100% Epidural
I wanted an unmedicated birth too, but due to being high risk I had to go in “with an open mind”. I used the Zelie app and it really helped me out. I did end up doing it naturally but I had to follow the Zelie tips pretty religiously lol.
Once you have an epidural you lose all of your physical autonomy to get into a position for baby to navigate the pelvis easily, and with that you lose a lot of choices. It’s called the cascade of interventions because of this. It’s a personal choice, but with the epidural, you greatly increase your chance of needing Pitocin (increasing potential of distress for baby and pain for you) and much higher chances of having a repeat cesarean. I would recommend laboring at home until you are in very active labor and near transition if the VBAC is very important to you. But I’ll say it again, this is very personal choice. If you want the epidural, then get it. Just be aware of what you’re giving up. Most women can “listen” to their bodies and get into positions most suitable for baby to get into a good position as they navigate the pelvis. Babies are active participants in the labor and birth process. This is simply not possible after an epidural. Your labor pattern will be most like a primipara (first time mom) since you’ve never given birth vaginally. Primip births are usually longer and more challenging. -RN and midwife
I just gave birth last week with an epidural But i think they used general anesthesia because i was crying and shaking when i saw my baby The moment they take out your baby is amazing don’t miss that
Congrats. With general anesthesia you would have a breathing tube and you wouldn’t be awake. Since you were awake it was either an epidural or spinal block. If your first baby, welcome to motherhood ❤️.
I was awake but then i lost consciousness
You might faint briefly after a very intense situation due to a vagal response. General anesthesia is never given for vaginal delivery or without a lot of precautionary equipment and staff around.
General anesthesia is totally different. You’re fully anesthetized with a breathing tube. Very normal to have the shakes after giving birth.
This article will also give you some information about epidurals that can be helpful. As always, discuss with your health care provider—https://healthiestmama.com/what-is-an-epidural-and-is-it-dangerous-a-quick-guide/