WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Epidural Didn’t Work: Now What?

Childbirth
Delivery method
Epidural Didn’t Work: Now What?
So, you've been eagerly anticipating the moment when the epidural would bring you relief from labor pain. Unfortunately, sometimes things don't go as planned, and the epidural may not provide the expected pain relief.
Don't worry, though!
You're not alone in this experience, and there are still options and strategies to help you navigate through it.
Understanding Epidural Challenges
Before we dive into solutions, it's important to understand why the epidural may not work effectively for everyone.
Several factors can contribute to this, including:
  • Anatomical Variations: Each person's body is unique, and the positioning of the epidural catheter may not always align perfectly with your anatomy, affecting its effectiveness.
  • Blockade Difficulties: Sometimes, it can be challenging to achieve a complete blockade of the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals during labor.
  • Individual Sensitivity: Each person's response to anesthesia can vary, and some individuals may require higher doses or alternative medications for effective pain relief.
Exploring Alternative Pain Relief Options
When the epidural doesn't provide the expected pain relief, it's essential to explore alternative options to manage your discomfort.
Here are some options to consider:
  • Nitrous Oxide: Also known as "laughing gas," nitrous oxide can provide short-term pain relief and is safe for both you and your baby. It can be self-administered by breathing it in through a mask during contractions.
  • Intravenous Pain Medication: Medications like opioids can be administered through an IV to help alleviate pain. However, they may not provide the same level of pain relief as an epidural and can have side effects like drowsiness.
  • Positioning and Movement: Exploring different positions, such as standing, kneeling, or using a birthing ball, can help relieve discomfort and promote better labor progress.
  • Water Therapy: Immersing yourself in a birthing tub or taking a warm shower can provide soothing relief and help manage labor pain.
  • Massage and Counterpressure: Gentle massage and applying pressure to specific areas, such as your lower back or hips, can help alleviate pain and promote relaxation.
Coping Strategies and Emotional Support
Dealing with unexpected pain during labor can be emotionally challenging. It's crucial to have coping strategies in place and seek emotional support when needed.
Consider the following tips:
  • Breathing and Relaxation Techniques: Focus on deep breathing exercises and relaxation techniques to help manage pain and reduce stress.
  • Visualization and Positive Affirmations: Use visualization techniques to create a calm mental space and repeat positive affirmations to stay focused and confident.
  • Partner Support: Lean on your partner for physical and emotional support. Their presence, encouragement, and reassurance can make a significant difference during labor.
  • Doula or Birth Companion: Consider hiring a doula or having a trusted birth companion by your side who can provide continuous support, advocate for your needs, and offer helpful comfort measures.
Empowering Yourself with Knowledge
Knowledge is power, and being informed about your options can empower you to make decisions that align with your preferences and needs.
Here are a few additional points to consider:
  • Open Communication: Maintain open and honest communication with your healthcare provider, expressing your concerns and desires for pain management.
  • Birth Plan Revision: If the epidural doesn't work as expected, be flexible and willing to adapt your birth plan to accommodate alternative pain relief methods.
  • Preparing for Different Scenarios: Educate yourself about other pain relief techniques and discuss them with your healthcare provider during prenatal visits to be prepared for various labor scenarios.
Juliette
Midwife for 8+ years
S
Stephanie
9 Jan 2024

Had my baby Wednesday and my epidural didn’t work at all I felt everything😳😭😭😭

Childbirth Delivery method
16 comments
S
Samaya
Omg my worst fear
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kali
Mine didn't work with my first either I was so drugged up out of it and tired that I only pushed the button maybe 2 times when the nurse had to tell me to do it I was given pain medication through my iv that put me to sleep just before getting the epidural and then i was on magnesium due to high blood pressure to keep me from having seizures i had severe preeclampsia with my 1 yr old daughter hoping to not get it again with my son
27 Mar 2024

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Stephanie
4 Jan 2024

Had the worst induction ever!! My epidural didn’t work! I felt everything and couldn’t do anything about it because every contraction felt like I had to push😭 the most horrible experience ever! This is my last baby! I’ll never go thru that again!

Childbirth Delivery method
2 comments
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Nesta
This was my last experience. Sorry u had to go thru that.
27 Mar 2024

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Stephanie
Same!! It was the worst experience/feeling ever!
27 Mar 2024

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Nia
23 Dec 2023

Baby Skylar came 3 weeks early! I had to be induced because of gestational hypertension. The epidural also didn’t work so I felt every contraction and push and it was not fun. All that matters now though and that I have a healthy baby girl!!

Childbirth Delivery method
2 comments
M
Mickey
Congratulations 🎉
27 Mar 2024

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A
Allexuia
Congratulations
27 Mar 2024

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Laney
10 Dec 2023

My baby boy was born on Thursday December 7th at 11:55am! Epidural didn’t work for me and I had bad back labor. 🥹🩵

Childbirth Delivery method
4 comments
B
Bree
I’m so scared of my epidural not working. Congrats mama 💙
27 Mar 2024

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D
Dee
Aww congrats I had my baby December 7th too she was due in February I had pre-eclampsia and emergency c-section Thursday night
27 Mar 2024

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Gabby
22 Oct 2023

Them contractions took me tf out ,the epidural was a scam and definitely didn’t work lol . I was having contractions for 2 days and was only dilated 1 cm then 5cm the second day I ended up askin for pitocin . My water broke oct 2 5:19am & he was born 6:07am 8lbs 6oz my greedy butt baby 🥰❤️

Childbirth Delivery method
2 comments
E
Earlinea💕 Earlinea
Congratulations ❤️❤️❤️. Question what all test did they do on you and baby ?
27 Mar 2024

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G
Gabby
Thank you 😊 He just got a hearing test that’s all
27 Mar 2024

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K
Keke
17 Oct 2023

Adonis Alexander Olivarez born on 10/17/23 at 7 in the morning 🥹🧡 it was rough epidural didn’t work so I went through pain whewww lawd but I’m feeling good and my precious son is so cute 🥰 🥹

Childbirth Delivery method
8 comments
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Melissa
Congrats. Yes the pain is unreal. But those babies are worth it!
27 Mar 2024

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T
Tasha
He is so cute
27 Mar 2024

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Brittany
12 Mar 2023

Honestly hearing ppl saying there epidural didn’t work is really freaking me out cuz I know for a FACT I can not handle pain. This is very scary for me & I guess inducing can be even more painful

Childbirth Delivery method
6 comments
M
Mc🌈👼🏽👶🏽🍼🤰♉👶🏽🤱🏼🩵🩷
Ya I'm trying all natural this time being induced and getting the epidural was horrible for me but the epidural did make me numb
27 Mar 2024

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Krissy
I'm terrified of needles. Everytime I had to draw blood for normal labs I'd black out. The epidural was nothing compared to the IV they give you. It took them like 4 mins tops for my epidural and it didn't hurt at all. The only thing that was even minorly uncomfy was when the meds start.. it's just like any other iv or shot. It burns for a few seconds then it goes away. I went into birth thinking I'd have to be physically knocked out like my husband was gonna have to punch me in order for me to get an epi but honestly I'd do it again. I felt nothing and I mean nothing after it. I was numb as can be. It was the best first birth experience. Now the iV they give for fluids hurts like heck but the epidural didn't. I didn't have pitocin so idk about that.
27 Mar 2024

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cheyawntay
19 Nov 2022

Yes no c section and my baby girl here , via vaginal epidural didn’t work so i had her naturally and yes it burns like hell no tears she’s 7lbs and 15oz

Childbirth Delivery method
11 comments
B
Beautiful journey
Congratulations 🎉🥰
27 Mar 2024

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Latavia
Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
27 Mar 2024

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Heather Blue
13 Nov 2022

Everyone Please know this do not i repeat do not depend on a epidural because there is a good chance it will not work. - when i gave birth to my daughter they tried to give me the epidural 3 times and it did not work. So please just have your mind set on not getting the epidural. -Yes it hurt like hell but soon i gave birth the pain went away immediately. And this was my first kid and i had my mind set and was depending on the epidural because i hate pain but it didnt work and theres nothing they can do but tell you to deal with it. That what they told me.

Childbirth Delivery method
3 comments
L
Liseth
If u dont mind mw asking how it didnt work? Mine worked instantly no pain during labor
27 Mar 2024

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Lucy
mine worked amazing also
27 Mar 2024

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Ashley
27 Oct 2022

So I have had 4 children and have one on the way due January 28th. With my last three the epidural didn't work and I still felt EVERYTHING... The guy who did my epidural this last time messed my back up so I'm opting out of epidurals this time....I know I can make it through the labor being as I've done it feeling everything before cuz they didn't work... Anyone else feel this way too...

Childbirth Delivery method
5 comments
V
Victoria
I already had a bad back before I got pregnant. I’m trying to do anything and everything to not make it worse
27 Mar 2024

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A
Ashley
this last guy I told him I've had 3 of these prior I know I shouldn't feel pinching he said I was just feeling the pressure I was screaming out in pain while he was inserting the catheter and I literally got up 5 minutes after my daughter was born and I was cleaned up and walked to the bathroom to pee. Like I know that he didn't do it right and my back hurts constantly now. I'm good this time around I'll make it lol
27 Mar 2024

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