If you’re having any reservations or anxiety about the idea of getting an epidural that’s perfectly normal.
You may be wondering about how it would go and when you would get one or if you should get one at all.
It’s not a decision to take lightly, but if you think it will help you get through the experience, then go for it.
Many women make the decision to have one and it can create an easier, more pleasant birthing experience.
I had one for all three and I actually enjoyed the birth of my babies. I could even say it was fun.
In this post, I want to help prepare you, alleviate some of your worries, and shed some light on what it’s really like to have an epidural.
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What It’s Like to Get an Epidural During Childbirth | Things You Need To Know
It won’t happen right away
You should know upfront that you’re not going to get your epidural as soon as you ask for it.
It can take a few minutes or a couple of hours or more. How long it takes will depend on how many people are ahead of you for the procedure and when they can get the medicine in the room and the availability of the anesthesiologist.
Because it does take some time, don’t wait until the pain is excruciating to ask for it. There’s no prize for suffering through it.
The anesthesiologist will numb the area first
Before the epidural is administered, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the area a bit.
It’ll take effect within minutes and will make the procedure more comfortable.
Initially, you might feel the tube threading down your back and minor pressure and prodding but it shouldn’t be too painful.
So it doesn’t really hurt to get an Epidural unless they hit a nerve. If that is the case, you’ll feel quick, dull shooting pain, but it passes quickly.
For most women, it’ll be a breeze once numb.
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You’ll get immediate relief
Once the epidural is complete, you’ll feel relief right away. And because contractions and labor can be tiring, the epidural will help relax you enough so you can rest or get some sleep.
Resting is important because it will prepare you for pushing and the work involved in your labor.
An epidural can help you be more focused and present during delivery because you won’t be distracted by the pain.
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Epidurals and pain management
13 Ways To Cope With Pain Without An Epidural
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You May Be Wondering If it Will Hurt When You Push With An Epidural
You might have heard that you’ll be completely numb after an epidural but that’s not always true; you’ll still feel sensation and the urge to push so you can deliver your baby.
You will also still be able to feel the baby come out with an Epidural but it will feel mostly like intense pressure rather than a burning pain.
It can make the experience much easier for you if this is the route you choose.
The epidural may not work
Although disappointing, it’s important you know that your epidural may not work.
It could fail entirely or only work a little bit. Depending on your unique situation you might have to go through the process more than once.
If your epidural fails it’s possible your doctor will adjust your position and try again, maybe even more than once.
If your epidural doesn’t take, don’t worry. There are other pain management options available for you.
Ask your doctor about your alternatives ahead of time so you know exactly what to expect if the epidural fails.
You might need a urinary catheter
Since the epidural numbs the lower part of your body, you may need a urinary catheter put in place if your labor lasts more than a few hours.
It’ll be removed once the epidural wears off, but you might feel some discomfort for a while after the catheter comes out.
Because the catheter wouldn’t be placed until after you are numb you shouldn’t feel any pain from the catheter being inserted.
Alternatively, they may do an ‘ in and out ‘ catheter several times during your labor.
When they do this they simply put a quick catheter in and let your bladder relieve itself, then remove it and get it out of the way.
Shaking or shivers is completely normal
After the epidural medication is administered some people experience shaking or what they describe as the shivers.
This is a physical reaction to the medication and although it feels strange and uncomfortable it is completely harmless.
This is not a health concern for you or the baby and should settle down after a while.
You should also be aware that shaking during childbirth happens too, with or without an epidural.
It’s a natural part of your body’s recovery process and it’s extremely important that you have a comforting and supportive environment to heal in.
An epidural can mean a severe headache for some
Although uncommon, epidurals do come with a risk of severe headaches.
This type of headache is referred to as a spinal headache because it can only happen after a spinal injection or epidural.
It can be dull and mild, or it can be severe and incapacitating. It occurs in the very front or back of the head and usually gets worse with sitting or standing up, while lying down flat may make it better.
These headaches are a rare side effect, but they do happen and can be debilitating.
Treatment is usually hydration, caffeine, and taking it easy for a couple of days. Your doctor may opt to prescribe an oral pain reliever.
It’s essential to communicate any pain or concerns with your doctor.
They are here to help you deliver your baby safely but also to make you more comfortable and eliminate pain where they can.
Your epidural could last too long.
There is a chance that the epidural can last longer than expected and beyond when you want it to.
Once the medication is stopped and the catheter is removed you should expect to get back full feeling, but that doesn’t always happen.
Numbness from an epidural can linger. It can last for minutes, hours, and in rare cases, days.
When this happens, there isn’t much you can do to speed up the process but it’s still important that you share any concerns about numbness or tingling with your doctor.
Epidurals Can Wear Off During Labor Too
Sometimes the epidural will wear off before you’ve even begun to push.
In this case, they can either give you another or give you another method of pain management.
Or you can rough it.
This leads to the next question..
When Is the best time to get an epidural during labor?
Experts have always said that it’s best to wait until active labor before getting your epidural.
They want you to wait because some believe if you get one too early it can slow your labor or even stop it.
This does seem to be true for many. It can also increase your chances of needing a C-section according to some doctors.
But you can have an epidural whenever you ask at most facilities. I do believe it’s best to wait until your labor progresses a bit though.
In The End….
Epidurals can be a wonderful option for many women but do come with a risk of side effects, most of which are rare.
An epidural offers pain relief, rest, and improved focus and concentration during labor and delivery.
You should keep in mind that anesthesiologists perform epidurals every day, and although it’s new for you it certainly isn’t for them.
If you’re considering an epidural talk to your doctor ahead of time.
They can answer any questions you have and prepare you for what to expect. Even if you decide now you don’t want an epidural, you can change your mind once you’re in labor.
Pain relief is available, don’t be afraid to ask for it.
We wish you luck!
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Labor pain can be SO intense and there really is nothing sweeter than getting that Epidural when you need it. I had Epidurals with all three of my babes and it was great!
As much as I would have liked to go natural, I just couldn’t do it, and that’s fine. There’s nothing wrong with getting one and it can make birth so much more enjoyable.
In fact, two-thirds of mamas use them with great success.
Since you’re here I’m assuming you’re close to birth and thinking you may get one so I’m going to tell you EXACTLY what to expect. After you read this you’ll know what’s coming and you’ll feel prepared.
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Epidurals And Labor Pain Management | Here’s What To Expect!
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It Will Take Some Time
It would be great if you could have an Epidural THE SECOND you decide you’re ready, but it doesn’t work that way.
Once you feel like you want one, they will need to order the procedure. This can take quite a bit of time, unfortunately.
Like up to an hour and a half if they’re really busy. It’s pretty much torture when you’re ready for relief.
My advice to you is to not wait until the pain is completely out of control if you’re absolutely sure you’re getting one anyway. Let them know and expect to wait a while.
And Here’s How An Epidural Is Done
Here’s exactly what to expect when they are getting ready to do your epidural.
An anesthesiologist will come in and have you sit on the edge of the hospital bed. They will wipe the area that they plan on sticking the needle in with an antiseptic to help prevent infection.
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After this, they’ll give you an injection of a local anesthetic to help numb you some because getting an epidural can be pretty hardcore.
Then they will position a large needle between the bones of your spine in your lower back, making space for a catheter (a small plastic tube) to be inserted into the area just outside the cover of the spinal canal.
A mixture of anesthetic and opioids will then be injected into the catheter.
After all that, it will take about 10 minutes to feel complete numbing relief from the belly down.
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Sometimes It Takes More Than One Try
Sometimes they are not successful at getting the epidural in just right. This means they’ll have to try again and it sucks.
Some women I have talked to had them fail three or more times until they finally got it right.
So be prepared for this knowing that they may have to stick you several times.
It Will Really Hurt
I hate telling you that, but it’s true. You’re already going through very painful contractions but to get the epidural in you’ll have to experience a different kind of pain.
Occasionally it’s not that bad. During my first childbirth, It didn’t hurt too much, but the other two were really bad.
The type of pain you feel when they give you an epidural is nerve pain. It’s like this terrible dull ache when they hit a nerve in your back.
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It feels similar to when you are drinking something hot or cold and it hits a nerve in a tooth. That sort of shooting, consuming pain.
Not trying to scare you here, just prepare you. The good news is that it’s over very quickly and the relief comes soon after for most.
You’ll need An IV
There will be a needle taped to your spine and it will have to stay in there the duration of the epidural. That’s how the medicine will flow into the spinal canal.
It feels a little annoying but that’s just part of having an epidural.
And A Catheter
You’ll also have a catheter so that you can urinate. Since you’re essentially paralyzed from the stomach down your bladder will not be able to empty itself so you’ll need a little help.
They often will just give you an ” in and out ” catheter but some hospitals will leave one in.
It’s uncomfortable when they put it in despite having an epidural. Or at least it was for me but it’s over quickly.
But Then It May Not Always Work
This is the most unfortunate thing about Epidurals. Occasionally they don’t work. Ugh!
It’s just something that happens sometimes and it often has to do with the skill of your anesthesiologist.
I was lucky and all three of mine worked great but my sister’s first Epidural was not successful. Meaning it didn’t work at all.
Some women experience pain relief on only one side of their body too. They have full relief on one side and full labor pain on the other.
But I guess half is better than nothing. Don’t worry too much though, it’s rare that it doesn’t work but it’s a possibility you should be aware of.
You May Get The Shakes Or Puke
It’s very common that you will begin to shake all over after you get the procedure done. It has something to do with adrenaline.
This happened to me each time I had one and the first time I was alarmed by it. It feels like intense shivers as if you’re cold.
You may also vomit. It’s just your body’s reaction to the medication.
It Can Make Pushing Harder
It sounds strange to say that you won’t know how to push if you have an Epidural but it’s true.
If you can’t feel your lower half you can’t necessarily engage and contract the right muscles to do effective pushing. It can be difficult.
Studies show that you can push an extra hour or longer when you have one.
I pushed for three and a half hours with my first because I could not push effectively ( plus he was huge at 9.3 Pounds ) and it was super exhausting.
But still, I enjoyed the whole birthing process so much more because I wasn’t in agony. So having an Epidural was definitely worth it.
So that’s it. Now you know exactly what to expect if you decide to get an Epidural.
Either way, I wish you lots of luck and I hope you enjoy your childbirth experience.
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Having a baby is such an exciting time but we all know that there is some major pain involved. Many women opt for an Epidural to relieve this pain.
In fact, fifty percent of women today are now having epidurals and there’s no shame in that. I had one for all three of my babies and I enjoyed the heck out of them.
It allowed me to be present during the birthing experience instead of screaming into a pillow.
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But there’s plenty to learn about Epidurals before you go into the hospital. Me? I was clueless and I now know that I should have done my research.
Epidurals have Pros and Cons and it’s important to know what you’re in for. So let’s take a look!
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12 Epidural Side Effects You Need To Know About
Your Epidural Won’t Happen The Second You Need It
When you get to the point where you feel like you absolutely need an Epidural, like 10 minutes ago, they’re gonna make you wait.
It usually takes 45 minutes but can take as long as an Hour and A Half. Yikes!
Just like everything else in a hospital, they have to order the procedure, do the paperwork, and then you have to wait your turn.
So that’s something you should consider. When they do get around to giving you one the relief is SO sweet. You are able to enjoy the experience so I think it’s worth it.
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It starts to work immediately
As I was saying, the relief is sweet and it often starts right away. So at least you don’t have to wait any longer once they do the procedure.
Or Not At All
There’s some bad news though. Epidurals don’t work for everyone and that’s just the way it is. You will know when you have one.
My sister had one with her first and it did nothing at all. NOTHING. But with her second child, she had another and it worked just fine. This happens because sometimes they’re not inserted right.
It really has a lot to do with the skill of your Anesthesiologist so make sure you go to a reputable hospital.
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You May Get A Bad Headache
After having an epidural, you may develop a ‘post-dural puncture’ headache.
A Post Dural Puncture Headache is a severe headache felt at the front or back of your head.
It may get better when lying down and worse on sitting or standing. Along with a headache, you may experience neck pain, sickness, and a dislike of bright lights.
Not fun stuff but it doesn’t happen too often.
Getting An Epidural Can Really Hurt
Getting a needle stuck in your spine is not a fun business. You’d think the pain would be dim compared to the labor pain and it is somewhat. But if they hit you in the right spot it can be pretty bad.
The first one I had was just a good pinch. But the second epidural I had with my next pregnancy was really painful despite labor. It was as if they hit a nerve and I had this horrible dull ache shoot all through my back that was even worse than my labor pain for a minute.
Not trying to scare ya. But again, it’s well worth the pain relief and it only lasts a minute. If you can handle having a baby then this will be a breeze.
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You May Get The Shakes
When your epidural kicks in you may begin shaking violently all over. It’s like really intense shivers.
I was told that this is caused by your body reacting to the medication causing an adrenaline rush. I have since Googled it to find more information but there’s not a lot online about why this happens.
It can happen at other times during your birthing experience too.
An Epidural Can Slow Down Labor And Interfere With Pushing
Sometimes an Epidural will slow down your whole birthing process. Occasionally contractions even stop but this is rare.
When this happens they will turn down the medication to get things moving again. So while you will have some pain relief you may have to feel some of the experience to keep things moving.
Pushing can become a problem too. Your pushing may not be effective because you simply cannot feel a thing. This happened to me and I pushed for three hours! Woo, I’m still tired and it’s been ten years. But he was really large, almost 10 pounds, and that was a big part of the issue.
You Will Need A Catheter
Because you are unable to feel and everything down there is paralyzed you won’t be able to urinate. You also won’t be able to feel when your bladder is full.
To resolve this issue they will give you an in and out catheter as they see fit. They gave me one about every two hours. Not fun but you can’t feel it so it’s not so bad.
You May Not Be Able To Move For Several Hours After Birth
It can take a while for the medicine to wear off. Even when it does start to wear off you’ll need assistance for a few more hours after that.
The first thing they wanted me to do was to urinate after and I could still barely use my legs so they put me on this standing wheelchair to assist me and someone had to help me sit down. It’s pretty humbling but it’s all part of the process.
An epidural can cause the need for further medical intervention
Some say there’s an increased risk for C-Section with Epidural and some say there’s not. Even though there are studies that say they don’t I have interviewed Health Care Professionals in this field and they often agree that it does seem to increase the chances.
The problem here is that Epidurals increase the pushing stage a lot because you just can’t feel how to push appropriately. If this stage lasts more than 3 hours or so they may start talking about c-sections.
Or they may start considering Forceps or vacuum assistance.
An Epidural Can Affect The Baby
Most notably, these medications have been known to cause respiratory depression and decreased fetal heart rate in newborns. Though the medication might not harm these babies, they have subtle effects on the newborn.
Another possible side effect of an epidural with some babies is a struggle with “latching on” in breastfeeding. This can cause a delay in the whole breastfeeding process.
You May Get A Fever And That’s A Problem
Rarely an Epidural can cause a fever in the mother that can be dangerous to the baby.
Studies suggest epidurals induce an inflammatory response and boost cytokine levels that inflict neurologic damage. This is what starts the fever and if it gets above 101 degrees it could cause significant harm.
The fever can increase the risks of hypotonia, assisted ventilation, low Apgar scores, and early-onset seizures.
This doesn’t happen often so don’t worry too much.
Most women get an epidural and nothing at all goes wrong so your chances are really good that everything will go as planned.
Good Luck and enjoy your babe when she gets here.
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I love Epidurals. They make childbirth so much easier in every way and you are able to focus more on what’s actually going on. It allows women to feel present during birth so that they can really enjoy the experience.
Kudos to those women who do it naturally because they are real warriors! I can’t even wrap my head around it….
Anyway, some strange things happen when you have an epidural and you may be totally unaware of them until they happen to you. I have had 3 epidurals so I’ve been there, done that.
Some of my experiences were really strange so read on to find out what can happen when you get this type of Anesthesia during childbirth.
**Have You taken a prenatal birth course yet? Don’t have time? Here’s the best Premium online birthing course and the first part of it’s totally free! You will learn absolutely everything you need to know and it will help tremendously so make sure you sign up. A Class is a must and I think the online ones are the best. Here’s a free Birth Planner Too!
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5 Things That Happen When You Have An Epidural That N One Tells You About
You May Get The Shakes
Some Women { Including me all three times } Will begin shivering furiously when the epidural starts to take effect. It’s really Bizarre and surprising.
None of the nurses warned me this would happen and I began shaking so violently that I barely had any control over my body. I couldn’t even really speak for a while. Your body also gets a total rush. That’s the only way I can explain it.
I was told that this is caused by your body reacting to the medication causing an adrenaline rush. I have since Googled it to find more information but there’s not a lot online about why this happens.
This can happen at other times during labor as well. Especially right before pushing. Imagine the adrenaline going through your body at that moment! It’s all very intense.
You’ll Have To Have A Catheter
Since you’re numb from the waist down you cannot go to the bathroom on your own. They will need to do a catheter to relieve your bladder.
Some hospitals do a catheter that stays in until you’re ready to push but most do an in-and-out catheter.
This is a catheter they only put in for a few minutes to allow the urine to evacuate and then they remove it. Despite having an epidural and being mostly numb, it’s still an uncomfortable sensation.
One side effect of these catheters is that it seems to stretch out your urethra some. After having one of these, urine just pours out for a while instead of being in a stream.
But it does heal and shrink back to its original size.
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It May Not Work
I hate to break it to you and I definitely don’t want to scare you but Sometimes Epidurals don’t work. Like, at all..
This can happen when an inexperienced Anesthesiologist is assigned to you. Or sometimes you move too much because it can be slightly painful when they insert the needle.
Or your anatomy is slightly different than others.
Unfortunately, sometimes you’re just super unlucky. I don’t know. All of mine worked but my sister had one with her first child and they missed the right spot and it did nothing.
Let’s hope if you’re counting on an epidural that it works for you.
It May Only Work In Sections
Sometimes your Epidural works great, well mostly…. You may find that you have full pain relief everywhere but in one or two spots.
This is not at all uncommon and it happened to me two out of three times. I had complete numbness everywhere but this one place on the lower left side of my belly.
At first, it was mostly numb but then it sort of wore off everywhere else, and by the time I was pushing I could feel full labor, cramping, and pressure in that one spot only. It was really bizarre.
But the epidural still did a great job and even though I could feel some pain it still worked well so that my labor was generally very comfortable.
This happens pretty often to women who get epidurals and the area can vary. Sometimes the epidural works great on one side of your body but not at all on the other side. It’s just all luck I guess.
You May Need More Than One
Occasionally if you get an epidural early in labor you may need two. They won’t have to stick a needle in your spine twice, of course, because the whole thing is administered via IV, But you may run out of the pain medication and they may have to give you a second bag.
During my first labor, they induced me and the pain went from zero to one hundred in sixty seconds. It was bad.
My mom is a nurse and she said they turned the Pitocin up too high so the contractions were STRONG. I ask for an epidural early ( which pissed my crappy doctor off ) and it was the best relief I’ve ever had.
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But it ran out and they had to give me another, then that one started to run out so they gave me this little button to push that delivered medication as needed and I used it. Like I said I was scared ladies. Just so you know my baby came out fine and he was alert and happy, for all of you worried about so much medication.
My other two labors went just fine, and I wasn’t nearly as terrified. Had one epidural for each.
Having an epidural is a great way to relax your body so that you can be present during the birth of your beautiful baby, but they also cause your body to react strangely sometimes.
It’s still well worth it if you’re going the medicine route. I don’t know why there’s not more information online about how epidurals may affect you. I was so surprised by some of it and that’s why I wanted to write this post for those who are thinking of getting one. I hope it helps!
Good luck to you mama!
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