32 week update and question!!

     I had my OB appt yesterday.  They had to check my cervix because I've been having contractions for the passed 4 nights.  Now let me just say, my "fake contractions" hurt.  Some people don't but mine feel like period cramps and searing back pain.  He checked me and said I was not dilated, or effaced, so I should get used to BH contractions up until the end, yay (eye roll).  My BP was a little elevated, 130/70, it's usually 120/70.  He told me to take it easy and if I have blurred vision or headaches to call them.  The baby HR was 165 and she is still head down, he thinks she is gonna stay that way, shes been head down since 19 weeks!
    On Monday DH and I went to our first child birthing class.  It was interesting to say the least.  All the moms there were first time moms, not to mention two high schoolers who acted like they were being tortured the whole time.  The only time they even reacted to the instructor was when we started talking about episiotomies (sp?) LMAO.  Other than that I am already glad we chose to take the class, I already learned things that I had no idea about before.
     That being said, I found out that NJ and CA have a 50% c-section rate.  The highest in the country, that scared me.  The reason is because the malpractice insurance is so high they really don't take extra chances.  Scary.
      So I had a question.  Just having the BH contractions this week were painful, and I know that's NOTHING compared to real labor pains.  This whole time I really, really wanted to go natural, but I was keeping an open mind about an epidural.  Now I really think I'm going to get one.  However I am absolutely terrified of getting one.  For those who have had an epidural, how bad does it hurt?  How long does it take to put in?  Do they kick your hubby out of the room??  I seriously am worlds biggest baby, and as time goes on, I'm getting more and more scared about giving birth.  Any advice?


Thanks
Karen

Hey Karen,

I don't have any advice on the epidural but we started the classes this week too and had similar experiences. The videos really made me think "bring on the drugs" LOL...Really though, I hope to be in the mindset of wanting to experience the whole thing w/pain and all and then when I can't take anymore but before its too late, I'll ask for drugs if its unbearable. That's my plan. I was my sister's coach over 23 years ago and I remember watching her get the epidural and saying never in my life, but she said she never even felt it, the contractions hurt so badly...

Karen,

I have had 7 epidurals/saddle blocks (saddle is sort of the same thing, but just a 1 time shot with no tube continuing to administer meds... used during my c-sections)

I was terrified the first time I had my epidural.  There isn't all that much pain persay in getting the epi.  It's mostly pressure.  They numb the area with small injections, similar to getting a shot.  Then they have you sit, bend over and push out your back.  Kind of like a contortionist, because it feels impossible to do when your huge and pregnant.  The whole time, you are having contractions that hurt and they are telling you not to move.  (not the case for a scheduled c-section lol)  Then they find the epidural space and you feel a strong pressure pushing against your lower back.  It's more scary than painful.  Then they get through to the space they need.. your legs gets warm and numb and on with the contractions.  LOL

I did experience 1 complication with my first epi.  I got a spinal headache after my son.  It was the worst headache ever.  It felt like all the blood in my entire body rushed to my head and was trying to escape.  The pain made me extremely nauseous and caused me to vomit and then have the dry heaves... not good since I had a c-section.  I then had to go back in the hospital and have another epidural and they gave me a blood patch.  They injected blood (they took 2 huge syringes FULL of my own blood) and then injected it into my epidural space.  Instant relief.  They said it was one of the fastest cures in medicine. 

Overall, I would rather be uncomfortable for the few minutes of the epidural than my entire labor.

If you have any other questions... feel free to ask me. =)

B

I had an epi- I didn't feel it being put in at all, and boy was it fabulous once it was in! Those contractions were already a killer. I had mine in about three hours into labor, and I was ready. I think some people do well with natural, I'm not one of them. I was so much happier after- My husband still jokes about the difference. We had a much more positive birth experience with the medicine- I didn't have a choice really because my daughter was in distress and they feared I may have to have a C-section later, but I didn't. It seems that the supporters of the natural experience are really loud about opposing epidurals- I had no problems and no complications. I did not feel it being put in, and like I said it made th ewhole process much better for everyone involved. I think I enjoyed the birth more because I felt no physcial pain. And, as a plus, I did not even have to take a dose of any painkillers post partum- The epi wore off quickly but seemed to linger for me- I didn't need anything. I was able to get up and walk soon after birth and had no problems. I would recommend!!

I also had really painful Bh contractions- I do this time too. I feel your pain! They always made me worry a lot, because I didn't really know if it was the real thing or not. Good luck with those!

Carrie

wow thanks so much for all the input!

My Epi didn't work with Zachary... I had no idea that was even possible... here I told myself the whole time I was pregnant... "oh it will be fine... get an epidural... no pain... sweeeet"..... yeah nothing prepared me for that. I pushed for 3 hours... "all natural" since the epi never took.. on pitocen... OUCH!

With Avery the first epi didn't work...... they did it again like 5 hours later and got it in correctly... HEAVEN....... Like night and day! It was awesome. It did wear off towards the end and when I was like 9 centimeters I was feeling everything... but I think the pain helped me to push and "get the baby out"...If you can't feel it... I think it would be harder and take longer...

As for the epi itself... I'm a BIG WUSS when it comes to pain... I have like a negative pain tolerance... and it wasn't that bad... it was like a stinging feeling... and like Bridge said... they tell you not to move (year right....hard not to jump) but man... when that puppy kicks in..... what a relief!

My advice... don't get one too early.... don't get one too late....... and I'm not sure when you know when that is... I'd probably say when your a solid 5-6 centimeters if you decide to get one.

:)  Good luck! 

By the time they put the epidural in, you're usually having contractions badly enough that it takes your mind off of the pain of the epidural.

Karen - I so hear you! I am a wuss and have known since day 1 that I want the drugs! lol In the last week I have been getting nervous about getting this baby OUT! I even had a fleeting moment when I HOPED I would need a c-section because I can control that. I realize that isn't what is the ideal situation so of course I am all for having a vaginal delivery, afterall women have been doing it since the beginning of time, I suppose I can handle it if I have to! lol

Thanks for asking - I can't wait to read all the responses. And Congrats on being 32 weeks and she is head down! My baby has been too since early out.

Liz

Most of the time they don't kick hubby out of the room and you would not get an epidural if I told you MY experiences with getting them (I've had 3 epidurals). It's not pretty!

And really, your bp is great! It's not considered high until it's above 140/90.

I hope your BH contractions settle down and stop hurting you. They can be awful sometimes.

I always so I am going to try to go without the epidural - I have had 2 now! LOL! To be honest with you my labor and deliveries are so fast that by the time I am ready and have caved for the epidural I am willing to give it to myself! LOL!

Everyone is different - but for me after they numb me (very small burning ***** - the needle for the shot is so small) I don't feel anything during the acutal procedure. I think it helps that you can't "see" what they are doing - but I think once you get over the fear of it you are ok. I even saw my bestfriend get one 3 weeks before I had Bella - I watched the whole procedure and honestly it wasn't that bad :) Everything has it's risks - think about the risk you had for your WLS - BUT keep in mind that these Docs go through YEARS of med school to do this.