Re: fear of epidural

• Messages sorted by: [ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author ]
• Next message: Anne: "Re: labor induction at 41.5 wks vs expectant management"
• Previous message: anonymous@obgyn.net: "fear of epidural"
• In reply to: anonymous@obgyn.net: "fear of epidural"
• Next in thread: missy: "Re: fear of epidural"
• Reply: missy: "Re: fear of epidural"

#1-An epidural is not a given-you may not need one or you may not have time for one.

#2-It really isn't so bad. It is DEFINATELY one of those-the anticipation is TONS worse than the reality.

The only real pain is the local the anesthesiologist will give you to numb your spine. It feels like a bee sting and hurts for about 5-10 seconds. >From then on all you will feel is a lot of pressure and poking and proding
but no pain. When he/she injects the medication you may feel some aching in your hips but that is all. They do NOT leave the needle in!! They leave a flexible catheter that you can NOT feel. If you have ever watched an IV inserted it is the same thing. A needle is used to introduce the catheter into your vein or in the case of an epidural your epidural space in our spine. The needle is removed and the catheter is left behind.

Talk to your OB and go to the hospital tour and talk to the anesthesiologist-they almost ALWAYS speak at the New Parent tours. They can really set your fears at ease.

Karen

• Next message: Anne: "Re: labor induction at 41.5 wks vs expectant management"
• Previous message: anonymous@obgyn.net: "fear of epidural"
• In reply to: anonymous@obgyn.net: "fear of epidural"
• Next in thread: missy: "Re: fear of epidural"
• Reply: missy: "Re: fear of epidural"