[michelle126]

I've got a friend who is prenant with her first and came to me with a few question/ concerns that all new moms have. (I've had 3. 2 vbac births.....all I had epidurals with)

So she asked...is it true that one in 10 women will not be able to get an epidural because of a risk or complication or timming?

She also mentioned (or should I say hubby did) "We (lol) will be turning the epidural off when she gets to 8 cms so she can push" I did remind him that you have to wait until she is 10cms to push"

I think that she is nervous to get the epidural because of all the risks...

All of these questions were posed after a birthing class.....of course I told her to talk to her ob.

[RNnL&D]

Talking to her OB is a good idea, but she could also talk with the anesthesia dept where she will be delivering.

We don't generally turn off, or even turn down epidurals unless Mom is so numb she can't feel to push.

I don't know about the 10% statistic. I haven't done any research. Yes, some women do miss the opportunity to get the epidural due to timing, but that is rare with a first baby. It is usually the multips who come in 6 or 7 cm or beyond wanting an epidural that can't get one.

[Hoosiernurse]

I can't speak on the statistics...but I have had three children, all with epidurals, and when it is done right (i.e. not so much numbing that you can't feel to do anything, not turned off when they still have a full-force pitocin drip in you....ACK! That was my first daughter, and the last time at THAT hospital!) it is SO FANTASTIC!

I had no problem pushing with my second and third daughters. Somehow those miracle-workers made it so the pain was gone, but I had good muscle control. I could just sit back and enjoy the birth of my children. Tell your friend to tell her husband to shut his gob about what's going to happen...he's not the one going through it. I'm sorry, I just never could deal with husbands who go around saying, "We're pregnant" and pointing to their wife's belly. Uhm, no , SHE'S pregnant, you're going to be a father. Let HER decide what kind of pain control and procedures she needs.

I LOVED my epidurals!

Cara

[michelle126]

OMG...I totally loved my epidurals...I even enjoyed the cath (well, not at first...but it was with my cessarian Ohh...I loved the PCA too!

[stamperRN]

Your friend's DH could benefit from the knowledge of some OB nurses!

Another great thing about epidurals with your first baby is the concept of "laboring down" . . .letting the contractions bring the baby a station or two down on their own without pushing. If you do have an epidural this can save you some major pushing work.

Yes, and by all means let the lady decide what she wants, just keep her educated as to what the risks and benefits are, and having her talk to her OB and an anesthesiologist, and perhaps some more non interventional professionals would be the best way!

[Jolie]

I progressed too quickly to get an epidural with either of my deliveries. The ONLY advantage I can think of to not having one was that I was able to be up and around immediately. I walked from L&D to my PP room under my own power, and was able to get cleaned up right away.

[chadash]

Years ago, I had an epidural with a C-section, and it did not totally "take". I really experienced that C section! My previous pregnancy, I had a spinal, (also a c section: have a very contracted pelvis, a mouse could make it out) and actually liked it less, even my hands felt numb. Dont know what that was all about....
guess you are talking labor, and for that they gave me nothing (labored with first) because of concern that I would have less ability to push. That was long long ago, so maybe things have changed. I am all for being as comfortable as possible!
I have a non educated theory though: if the pt is going through very hard labor, you could effect the ability to push effectively just by wearing her out. So, if you can do the epidural and make the pre transition stage less exhausting, could you do better when it came time to push?

[L&D_2b]

I have four children. The first two I had without the use of any pain medication, including epidurals. The last two I opted for the epidural. Let me just say, when in labor with child #5, I WANT the epidural! It made the last two birth experiences SO MUCH better!