do epidurals hurt?

[mc_fia15]

I'm having nightmares about them because of all these labor horror stories people keep telling me. In your own normal, non-horrific birth experiences, is getting the epidural terrible?

[koyama83]

I'm also fine with needles as others have stated but when I had an epidural it gave me a strong and strange sensation down my back that was painful. I can only describe it as feeling like a dust pan inside of my skin being slid down the length of my back and then slammed onto the top of my pelvic bone on the left and right. It was enough to disturb me and scare me and make me angry..strange feeling but I'm most likely going to try one again this time since it made my 2nd labor less painful than my first.

[akira8604]

Mine hurt not even going to lie about it. When they put it in they didn't get it right and had to start over. The first time they put it in there was this horrible grinding feeling. I also was so numb for delivery I couldn't feel when I was contracting or anything. Everyone is different and honestly it is just a choice you have to make. Each labor is different as well I would suggest leaving the option open and do it only if you absolutely need to.

[kgp2013]

I had an epidural and i am a HUGE chicken. I honestly have a fear of all needles. I was dreading the epidural. I was so nervous i even jumped when they were just numbing my back! But it didnt hurt at all!! It was such a huge relief. I will definitely be getting one with this baby as well. I always heard horror stories too but labor is not that bad! If i can do it, anyone can lol

[cupcakelovinmommy]

When I got mine it was instant relief for me. I needed it because the doctors kept wanting me to lay on my sides and I cant lay on my left side very long without being in tons of pain. I did feel them put the needle in but it wasnt horrible pain or anything.

[chloegc1023]

Not gonna lie, needles don't scare me, but when ur in active labor with contractions coming on string and u need to stay still for the epidural, it's kinda hard.  I moved when the needle was going in, cuz I had a contraction coming on, yea, I had to suck it up or risk getting paralyzed.  Once the medicine was delivered, it was all good.  only minor bruising was left afterwards and I healed just fine.  I will get it again, and stay completely still this second time around.  

[fefesbabynumtwo]

I didn't have one with my first and will not be having one with this one either if I can help it. I have a bad back as it is and the thought of having a needle in my back even if it has any slight risk of paralyzing me, has me saying nope not for me. Plus after my first I was immediately able to sit up in bed and cross my legs. The pain from giving birth vanished and I had full mobility. Way better then what I've heard you feel like after an epidural!

[MsChapa]

It doesn't hurt because they insert needle while you are having a contraction. After it is in you feel so much relief.

[Janet584]

I have two kids. One with an epidural and one without. With this kid I'm having in May I won't be having an epidural. The pain is gone the second the baby comes out and I over all felt better without an epidural. Mind you both my previous labors were 3 hours or less from start to finish

[lurooney]

Well in my experience no and i have had 3 twice they put it in wrong and had to put it in again,its very uncomfortable cause you cant move while there putting in but i can honestly say it never hurt