WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Epidural Fears: What You Need To Know

Childbirth
Delivery method
Epidural Fears: What You Need To Know
Considering an epidural for pain management during labor?
You're not alone!
Over 60% of women in the U.S. opt for this type of pain relief, according to the CDC.
But don't wait until the last minute to decide—learn about the different types of epidurals, what to expect, and the pros and cons beforehand.
Being well-informed will empower you to make the right choice when the time comes. Here's everything you need to know:
What is an Epidural?
An epidural is a form of anesthesia used to provide pain relief during labor and delivery.
Administered near the lower spine, it blocks nerve impulses, reducing sensation in the lower half of the body. The goal is to provide pain relief while keeping you comfortable and alert during birth.
You may still feel contractions, but the pain will be greatly diminished, allowing you to push effectively when the time comes.
Types of Epidurals
  • Epidural: Administered via a catheter in the spinal area, allowing continuous medication if needed.
  • Spinal injection: A single injection directly into the spinal fluid, wearing off more quickly than an epidural.
  • Combined spinal-epidural (CSE): A hybrid combining spinal and epidural, offering more mobility and customized pain relief.
Hospitals and anesthesiologists may have different protocols for epidurals, so consult your healthcare provider to choose the right option for you.
Does an Epidural Hurt?
The fear of the needle is common, but the discomfort is minimal.
Before inserting the needle, your doctor will numb the area with a local anesthetic, making it feel like a pinch or sting for about 5-10 seconds.
The actual epidural administration is pressure, not pain.
How Long Does an Epidural Last?
An epidural typically takes 10-15 minutes to take effect and can last throughout labor, as medication can be continuously administered via the catheter.
Epidural Pros and Cons
Pros:
  • Effective pain relief during labor.
  • Allows you to be present and awake during the birth.
  • Offers a chance to rest and regain energy.
Cons:
  • Limited movement due to IV and fetal monitor connection.
  • May slightly prolong the second stage of labor.
  • Can cause post-birth numbness and the need for a urinary catheter.
Epidural Risks and Long-Term Side Effects
The overall risk is low, but possible side effects include maternal hypotension, shivering, nausea, and soreness. Rarely, permanent nerve damage or post-dural puncture headache may occur.
Epidurals do not affect the baby's well-being.
Remember, the experience may vary based on the anesthesiologist's skill level, and being well-prepared can make the process smoother.
Real Moms Share Their Epidural Experiences
  • Some moms found the process painless, allowing them to rest until it was time to push.
  • Skillful anesthesiologists made the epidural placement easy for others.
  • Many experienced minimal discomfort, feeling only pressure when the needle was inserted.
H
Haley
28 Jun 2023

Hey , if anyone with 5th baby coming is reading this, am new Comer and I would.like to know if any one has experienced waterbirth? I want to try it on this pregnancy but am scared of the pain ...thinking there is no epidural option. Can you please share me if you do it after your birth with epidural? How the pain is compared? Thank you 🥰🤗 #5thpregnancy #waterbirth #epidural #3rdtrimester

Childbirth Delivery method
1 comments
S
Shamece
Interested to ?
27 Mar 2024

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tt
11 Jun 2023

Will they tell you when it’s time to get the epidural because I want to get it as soon as it’s time to push😭 and when the contractions become to much because I need to last throughout the birthing process 😭

Childbirth Delivery method
4 comments
P
Paulina
You only have the option for a certain amount of time then they’ll be like we can’t you waited too long and then you can’t even get it
27 Mar 2024

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Judah's 💙 Momma 🧸🤞🏾
Have you felt the contractions yet
27 Mar 2024

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shaye
8 Jan 2023

truly don’t know how i’m gonna give birth to a whole baby when i’m over here wanting to cry about a IV being in my arm for hours 😭 definitely gonna need an epidural when it’s time, me & pain don’t mix well

Childbirth Delivery method
4 comments
A
Ashley
Hang in there mama! I’m scared of giving birth too! But according to my sister when they give you that epidural, you won’t feel a thing usually! You got this! 💜
27 Mar 2024

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Rylan
I’m the same way I’m terrified I wanted a c section but it’s major surgery that idk if my body can handle
27 Mar 2024

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katie
27 Sep 2022

I need someone to be overly honest with me!!! How bad is giving birth with an epidural. How bad is labor contractions. I’m nervous and want to know what to expect!!!!!

Childbirth Delivery method
53 comments
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Sarah
Neeed to know the same thing !!😫
27 Mar 2024

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katie
I need someone to be brutally honest, I’m stressin too much 🤣
27 Mar 2024

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Megan
8 Sep 2022

Epidural or no epidural and why? I’m teetering on a decision, mostly because of the catheter you have to get with the epidural. Gimme some stories mamas!

Childbirth Delivery method
22 comments
A
Ashley
Never got the epidural with my first did it all natural was 8cm dilated when I went into labor with my son did it natural with no pain meds and with this pregnancy doing it natural with no pain meds
27 Mar 2024

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Megan
I know pain is different for everyone but how was the pain? That’s what I’m nervous about with no epidural. Although, my pain tolerance seems to be pretty high.
27 Mar 2024

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Glen
2 Aug 2022

Getting epidural as soon as I get in the hospital for induction. that was what my doctor told me to do. She said I don’t need to wait if I want it. Any thoughts?

Childbirth Delivery method
5 comments
T
Tyyyyy
I say u wait a little until the pain is unbearable cuz being induce could take hours and if u get it soon as u get there it might be worn off my the time it’s actually time to have bby and push
27 Mar 2024

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Tae
I was against getting epidural so I went through my contractions until I couldn’t bear them anymore. Once I got the epidural no more than 5 mins later I was ready to start pushing. It’s really based on your level of comfort; I know I’d do it that way if I were to have another child.
27 Mar 2024

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J
Janilee
9 Jun 2022

Any tips or need-to-know info for getting induced? This is my first time and I do plan on having an epidural cuz I'm a baby when it comes to pain haha

Childbirth Delivery method
9 comments
B
Blocked user
Do you want they induction or is it medically necessary? Waiting is best for your baby. Baby so come when baby is ready and those contractions can be really hard on them. You are perfect mama and baby's timing is perfect. 🥰 🥰
27 Mar 2024

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Janilee
Not medically necessary, but the doctor is leaving for vacation after my delivery and wanted to have it done before she goes. I'm getting induced on my due date
27 Mar 2024

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Stefani
25 May 2022

Hey mama's, how was the epidural for you guys? I just want to know what I'm getting myself into lol

Childbirth Delivery method
11 comments
M
Mercedez
Everyone's different but me personally first kid I got the epidural and it messed my back up to the point I rather go natural this time around
27 Mar 2024

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Stefani
oh no I'm sorry to hear that :( thank you for sharing
27 Mar 2024

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Mia
20 May 2022

Yall I'm looking at these natural births and y'all are brave🙌🙌👏👏👏. I just want to doctor to know ahead of time like rn to give me that damn epidural. To the moms that have had epidural, did you feel anything???

Childbirth Delivery method
3 comments
i
india
That epidural saved my life n the nurses lives I couldn’t take them contractions no more soon as I got it I slept good asf through them til it was time to push
27 Mar 2024

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Mia
whew!! U just put me at ease bc I know imma put my hands on somebody if I dont get one 🤣🤣🤣
27 Mar 2024

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Michelle
27 Nov 2021

Can someone tell me about spinal taps and epidural? I know people who have had both but never seem to get details such as, how long they last for, the after affects, how they gauge when you need them, even down to if you really do? As I’ve heard you can get a vaginal shot.

Childbirth Delivery method
1 comments

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