Epidural?? New mommy soon!?

Question

Ok, its coming down to the wire and like most women I am scared to death of giving birth. I know everything will be ok but I'm just SO nervous.. I'm getting an epidural for sure and that is really the thing that is on my mind. I hate needles and am so scared to get one. Anyone have any advice for me? Maybe something you did to help you out and calm you down? Its just all kind of hitting me lately and I need some words of wisdom, or just someone to say it'll be ok. My husband isn't able to be there either, he is away with the Army so I have no one really to help me out.

Also I found out yesterday I am 2 cm dilated and 70% effaced. I know the munchkin will come when he is ready but does anyone have any ideas as to speed it up a bit. (As soon as I have him I can send my husband a message through Red Cross and get him home for a few weeks). Just hope its soon!!

Thank you in advance!!

Answer 1

The epidural really isn't that big of a deal.  You'll be having contractions, so you will most likely welcome that needle prick.  

As far as speeding things up, I've heard that evening primrose oil helps, as well as some herbal teas.  You can google it or call a local midwife for advice.  There is also an acupuncture spot on the leg above the ankle that supposedly helps bring on labor.  Google that one too.  I know I did the acupuncture spot when I was expecting my first.  Didn't do much for me.  I had been 90% effaced and dilated to a 3 from week 32 on.  I had to be induced;o)  Good luck!!!

Answer 2

im also terrified of needles!

but when i was in labor they did it during a contraction so that i wouldnt focus on the needle.

and i promise once you feel what a contraction feels like you wont be so worried about the epidural.

i was screaming for them to give me and epidural and it felt like a tiny little pinch in my back and i just sat and relaxed until it was time to push.

but i pushed for 3 hrs and the epidural wore off so that part was painful but i was just so overwhelmed and anxious that it was making the pushing part alot harder than it had to be.. just concentrate and focus and dont think about the pain cause once the baby is out.. all the pain goes away!!!

during the labor just try to concentrate on whats happening at the moment and not whats about to happen... the anxiety of giving birth will just make the labor harder for you.

good luck and congratulations.. you will love bein a mommy!

Answer 3

The epidural is nothing i think.. all you feel it the numbing shot and all that feels like is getting your blood drawn.. the epidural needle after that is only pressure on your back.. it really dont hurt that bad at all... and if i remember correctly i was about 2 cm and 80% effaced ehan i went into labor about 2 weeks later.. so not to long!! Good luck!! its all worth it!

Answer 4

I'm pretty sure you will be in so much pain from the contractions, that having a needle in your back will barely bother you. :)

Answer 5

I have a major fear of needles and decided on completely natural childbirth the first time round, I was adamant about it.  That is until my MOTHER showed up.  IT was awful.....I had to have my husband stand by my side and keep close to my face so I could be comforted, finally my doc came in and said I had to have an epidural because she thought we might have to take the baby.  I apparently was turning blue....  The guy who came down asked if I had any problems with needles from my husband who told him I passed out with them.  The guy came into the room had me sit up and during a strong contraction the guy did it quick and fast.  Never felt any pain, just an odd sensation.  I can honestly say it didn't hurt and I didn't feel anything during the rest of labor which was normal and safe.  My OB did kick my Mother out at one point though!  

Momma_Bear

Answer 6

Do yourself a favor when you're getting the epidural, curl up with a pillow and breathe slowly and calmly. If you get a contraction, try as best as you can to breathe slowly and calmly. DO NOT TENSE UP AT ALL!!! I did (subconsciously because I'm a needle phobe myself) and they had to do it over again because I was crying so hard. You'll do great! Good luck!

Answer 7

Just listen to the nurse and try your best to ignore the anesthesiologist. It does prick a bit but it isn't the most painful needle. I always thought the IV hurt worse but I have tiny veins and the nurse was inexperienced. Make sure to sort of sag your body against the nurse and push your stomach against your back.

Expect to get Pitocin with the epidural so your contractions don't slow too much.

Answer 8

I also am not the biggest fan of needles but when the time comes for the epidural you won't even be thinking about the needle. You'll just be happy the wonderful dr is there to get rid of the pain.lol

Here is some advice. I had my 1st baby this past April and my labor wasn't oo bad. Here are the tricks:

1. Don't go to the hospital asap. Its very uncomfortable to lay in the bed while getting contractions

2.I lasted at home till i was 6-7 centimeters dilated.All I did was walked around outside and when I would get a contraaction I would look up at the sky and count stars or something. this distracted me therefore contractions weren't so bad at all.

3.once I got to the hospital thats where things sucked since I had to be in a bed. once the dr came with the drugs it was smooth sailing. the only down fall I had was I had the shakes. I got them because of me being nervous and also the rush of hormones once my water broke.

Answer 9

When I got my epidural I was having contractions so bad I really couldn't focus on the fact I had a huge needle in my back. but one thing that did help is the nurses had me breathing in through my nose out the through my mouth. i was concentrating so hard on how i was breathing because i was hurting so bad that i never knew what they were doing to my back. Try the breathing technique. It helped a ton for me.  

Answer 10

I hate needles!!!!!! I was scared to get it, and they gave me a pillow to hug and I hugged it and closed my eyes, and um I didn't feel anything. I was still waiting for them to put it in when they had already done it. Don't be scared. it doesn't hurt.

Answer 11

First off, congrats! I am so excited too, it is getting sooo close! My friend is horrified of needles and she instructed the anethesiologist to not let her see any of his equipment or the needle. That seemed to work for her just fine. You lucky duck, I am 70% effaced but my cervix is still closed. I hope we get to meet our little ones soon! :)

Answer 12

don't worry about the needle worry about the contractions, you won't even think about the needle you'll just be really ready to get it..and they give you a shot to numb it before they give you the actual epidural...walking and s*x help induce labor..

Answer 13

Sweetheart, you'll be fine. One way or another this baby will come and the hard work of birthing him/her will all be worth it.

As for the epidural, there are instances when a well timed epidural is a godsend, but mostly they just interfere with the mothers connection to the birth and slow things down. If you have an epidural you'll be confined to bed, won't be able to walk and will have to have a catheter in as you won't be able to control much below you waist, including your bladder.

I know the thought of pain can be intimidating, but you can control how much pain you feel during labour (mind over body). There's this thing called the fear-tension-pain cycle. Basically in any situation, but most especially in birth, fear creates tension equals pain. If you fear pain, you become tense, tense muscles don't relax and eventually create sensations of pain which in turn creates fear of more pain.

So, if you reduce fear and ease tension you will feel less pain, if any. Besides, it's only pain and it won't last forever. Think of the reward - your beautiful baby - won't that make it all worthwhile?

It helps to think of each contraction or sensation during labour as bringing you one step closer to meeting your baby.

Lastly, no woman should have to give birth alone. Have you considered hiring a doula (trained labour companion)? She can help you prepare for the birth and will support you the whole way through the birth and early postnatal period. If cost is an issue, most doulas will only charge what you can afford (even if that's nothing).

I've listed a few links and resources below.

I wish you and your new family all the very, very best.

Happy birthing!

Answer 14

To be quite honest with you, if you are already in pain from the contraction, then the epidural will be nothing.  You won't even notice it really.  The epidural is actually pretty painless.  A small bee sting when they first start, but that's it.  Just stay calm and breathe.  Keep a picture of your husband handy.  That's what I did when my husband was away with the Air Force.

I was 2cm and 75% effaced for a month before I delivered and I still had to be induced.  There's no way to know for sure.  Just walk, walk, walk, walk, walk.

Answer 15

Congrats !

I'm sorry I can't help you on that..I've not had the epidural and not planning on getting it..

But, I could say is to relax and to give your best and whatever pain you may feel , at the end is worth it after you see your baby...

Good luck !

Answer 16

Just think about the pain being gone and it should be enough to get through the needle. I tried to have a natural birth but after 20 hours of labor I gave in and had an epidural.

To speed things up they recommend s*x but since your husband is away that will not work. Walking, spicy foods, and nipple stimulation are also recommended. None worked for me but it doesnt hurt to try.  

Answer 17

I was induced, and they didn't let me have an epidural for the first 12 hours.  I was a little worried about the needle in my back, but actually, the doctor who did it was great, and it was the easiest part of the birth experience. (Especially after my induction basically failed, or didn't get it going fast enough, and I ended up having a c-section.)  After all that, the epidural was not an issue.  I was begging for it, and was so tired, but in so much, so I was probably extremely calm, for me.

Answer 18

I didn't get the Epidural until I was in transitional labor and by that point I didn't care how they administered it, I just wanted relief! The only advice I can offer is to breathe. Focus on taking good deep breaths while they are prepping and administering the Epi. I am so sorry your husband can't be with you!

There isn't really anything other than walking, and nipple stimulation, that you can safely do to help things along. Stay far, far away from Castor oil! Sadly, you can be a 2 for a few weeks before going into true labor. But being a 2 and 70% at 36 weeks is very hopeful :). Good luck and God bless!

Answer 19

they can numb the area where the needle is going into im a total needle phob and have had a spinal tap its not bad at all, a blood test was worse for me..

Relax if u dont its worse.

Answer 20

I'm like you a needle fob to the core. But with my first one, i had the epidural, they gave it to me at the same time as i was having a contraction. so i didn't feel it at all and plus the effect starts right away. The minute they do it , you feel like someone poured water on you ( in a good way) and you will look at the Doc that did it like he's the most beautiful person in the world. Because contractions sucks  

Answer 21

You may be surprised - I signed for an epidural but found I felt good and did well controlling the contractions and ended up not getting the epidural.  Don't force the option - you may not need to have that risk.

I walked four miles on my due date...  it didn't do any good - I wouldn't dilate or efface at all.  But I didn't want to induce, so I had to wait.  Waiting is the hardest thing, but really, curb your impatience as best you can - all new moms are impatient for the big day.  

What helped me was two things:

I wrote myself a long list of busywork that "HAD" to be done before baby.  I redid my garden on the due date.  I reorganized the garage.  It's amazing how much you can get done when you're just waiting for something.  It made time fly and I *almost* forgot about waiting.  My first was a week late and that was the most efficient week of my life.

Second, I bought several books on labor and read them all.  Fear and tension in labor is often caused or at least increased by lack of knowledge...  so I became an expert on all forms of childbirth.  I found it fascinating, after all, I was about to go through with it!