I have a question for an OBGYN about epidurals?

Question

I have a question regarding epidurals. When I was 16 (in 1996), I had my first baby. When I went into labor, I was told that the only pain relief I could take was Demerol (sp?). The nurses refused to give me anymore pain relief. An epidural was not an option. I had no other health concerns other than 16 and pregnant. Also, my parents were not at the hospital at the time.

My question is, why was this not an option? I almost felt like the nurses were punishing me for being 16 and pregnant because they made some nasty comments about me being 16.

Also, if it helps, my labor and delivery was only 6 hours long.

Is there any medical or legal reason why a 16 year old is not given an epidural? Thanks.

Answer 1

Were you dilated when you arrived at the hospital?  I've heard of women showing up too far into labor to have time for safe epidural placement.  Might have been a possibility.  Can you request your medical records?

Answer 2

If you were only 16 there may have been laws against you signing the paperwork without a parent to make that decision since there are risks involved with epiderals.

Answer 3

Not an OBGYN but they often don't give you an epidural if you are too close to delivery as it slows everything down which you don't want! If your labour was only 6 hours, it may have just been too late for you at that point. Its a shame you didn't feel confident enough to ask then and I'm sorry that you felt like you were being punished. I'm sure that it wouldn't be the case but it must  have been pretty horrid to feel that way. In the UK it also depends on whether an anaesthetist is available.

I would ask if there is any foreseeable reason why you couldn't have an epidural when you have your next antenatal appointment.