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Does an Epidural drug the baby?
Hey ladies.... I have been hearing a lot lately on the topic of whether or not an epidural drugs the baby during labor and delivery. The only logical explanation I can think of is NO. I think this because an epidural is only a wire that is inserted into your spinal nerves to numb you from the insertion point down. It doesn't enter your bloodstream, so it shouldn't enter the placenta right? If I am wrong... please let me know ladies. Thanks.
Also, for those ladies that have had past epidurals, was it pain free? Or did you feel some discomfort. Thanks again.
Also, for those ladies that have had past epidurals, was it pain free? Or did you feel some discomfort. Thanks again.
I dont know for sure about drugging the baby, but I ended up having a c section anyways after my epidural and it was pain free. I had some minor back pain where they stuck the needle in my spine to give it for a little while, but 7 1/2 years later I cant even tell it ever happened. It was long ago though that my pain went away in that area. It was just a bit sensitive for a while.
I wasnt going to have an epidural with my first daughter but after 12 hours or more of contractions the nurse talked me into it so I could get some rest. I had been up for 26 hours with very little sleep. It was a wonderful relief. And even during the c section,all I felt was mild pressure, nothing hurt at all. :-)
I wasnt going to have an epidural with my first daughter but after 12 hours or more of contractions the nurse talked me into it so I could get some rest. I had been up for 26 hours with very little sleep. It was a wonderful relief. And even during the c section,all I felt was mild pressure, nothing hurt at all. :-)
The childbirth classes I took at the hospital gave a lot of information on epidurals, pain relief, and natural births. Something like that may help you make your decision, also.
You said you are scared that the episiotomy is going to hurt. You won't even feel it. I had to have one with both of my other children. The doc does it during a contraction, and I never even noticed. I also have had 2 epidurals, and never felt it. My labors were only 7 and 8 hours. Good luck with your decision, and no matter what you decide, just remember it is the right decision for you!!
I had an epidural when I had my daughter and she was alert when she came out. The epidural actually sped up my labor. I was induced at noon, got an epidural at 3 when I was 3cm and had her at 9. I don't think that the epidural really effects the baby much or at all. But who knows. I think it has more to do with how long she has been in labor. If the baby is groggy when delivered I think its just from being tired of trying to get out. LOL.
Ok this informs me a lot ladies! This is my first baby and the thing that I am afraid of is having to get an episiotomy. And I am thinking to myself... man this is going to hurt. LOL. Don't get me wrong, I still have like 6 more months to go until I deliver, it's just that I want to make a birthing plan. As excited as I am that I am going to get to see my baby, I am also nervous already too. And I still have some time to go. LOL. Thanks again.
Ok before I tell my story, let me say I have every entension of having another epidural. I've been told my experience is isolated and rare.
I had one with my last baby and as they were putting it in, the jerk doing it obviously had little experience and I was his ginny pig. He slipped and hit a nerve causing me to hit the guy that was holding me steady in front. I had not control over my leg. They traded places and the other guy got it in fine. I delivered as quickly as I did with my daughter that was delivered naturally. I was induced at 8am delivered 1:37 pm. It was a beautiful delivery. It was also a blessing I opted for the epidural because my son was to the Dr and my surprise, 9lbs 13oz.
Unfortunately, after the epidural was removed, shortly after delivery I got a spinal headache induced by the punture in my spine. It was much like a migraine and lasted for a week. It was very hard to bond with my son when I couldn't even hold my head up. Breastfeeding was even more complicated.
Again, I WILL be having one this time around.
I had one with my last baby and as they were putting it in, the jerk doing it obviously had little experience and I was his ginny pig. He slipped and hit a nerve causing me to hit the guy that was holding me steady in front. I had not control over my leg. They traded places and the other guy got it in fine. I delivered as quickly as I did with my daughter that was delivered naturally. I was induced at 8am delivered 1:37 pm. It was a beautiful delivery. It was also a blessing I opted for the epidural because my son was to the Dr and my surprise, 9lbs 13oz.
Unfortunately, after the epidural was removed, shortly after delivery I got a spinal headache induced by the punture in my spine. It was much like a migraine and lasted for a week. It was very hard to bond with my son when I couldn't even hold my head up. Breastfeeding was even more complicated.
Again, I WILL be having one this time around.
I got an epidural with mine and yes it does pass a little to the baby which can make the baby a little groggy. When I got the epidural it really didn't hurt that bad. Like joy said it was the tape coming off that hurt the worst. After I got my epidural I gave birth within the hour so I'm not sure of it causing labor to last longer. Mine only worked on half my body and I don't have any long term effects from it and let me tell you even working on only half was really worth it because like Joy said when it comes time to push you need all your energy.
i had an epidural with mine, and let me tell you, labor was heaven after that. i didnt feel ANY pain, only pressure, and my daughter came out perfectly normal. and my labor was only 6 hours, after i got the epidural, she came less than an hour later....
Nadia, I think it depends on the skill of the anesthesiologist in those cases. So lamb, you may want to ask for a reputable anesthesiologist if you so desire an epidural during labor. Asking for an epidural does not make you a weak person or make your experience any less enjoyable. It really helped me because I got to SLEEP and rest before having to push (which takes ALL of your energy).
My sister gave birth naturally THREE times and she prefers that way. Just keep researching, lamb, until you find what you feel comfortable with. You know if I woman had to get an emergency c-section they'd have to have drugs anyway but if you want to avoid drugs completely, try to give birth naturally.
My sister gave birth naturally THREE times and she prefers that way. Just keep researching, lamb, until you find what you feel comfortable with. You know if I woman had to get an emergency c-section they'd have to have drugs anyway but if you want to avoid drugs completely, try to give birth naturally.
im not sure about whether it drugs the baby during delivery, but my sister had it and according to her it didn't help her much with the pain and until now she suffers from back pain and her daughter is 10 now. she is not recommending it, however my other sister had it also and she said it really helped her during labour she hardly felt any pain! she is not complaining of back pain either. so I guess it all depends...
I had an epidural with both of my labors. First time I didn't even feel it go in. When they take it out, what hurt more to me was the TAPE coming off. The second time I did feel the ***** of the needle but it wasn't bad at all. You see, your contractions hurt way more, so the epidural isn't a huge deal! My first labor was 3 1/2 hours and my second was about 12 hours---not sure if it prolongs anything, I think that everyone's body moves at their own pace for labor and delivery.
Also, the drugs do pass through the placenta but not in same amount or capacity as it works on you.
I do not have any back pains or issues.
Also, the drugs do pass through the placenta but not in same amount or capacity as it works on you.
I do not have any back pains or issues.
From what i hear it does and it also prolongs your labor all my cousins and friends who have had one get really bad back pains hell my mom got one and she still has bad back pains to this day and im 23 i wouldn't want that that's why no matter how much pain im in when i do go in im not getting one to affraid of the side affects
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