Epidural question: how long does it last? And, how soon should I ask for it?

[Gnay]

I am 40 weeks and 5 days overdue. I will be medically inducing on Monday. Some people suggested I get epidural soon at the time they break my water. And some tell me I'm better off waiting until I start to feel pain. I seem to be leaning more towards getting epi as soon as my water breaks, however, I am afraid it will wear off. What is your take on getting epidurals? Would I be able to ask for multiple doses? How long does one dose last for and when do you suggest is the right time to having it?

[APauling]

I was induced and got it as soon as they took the balloons out. They were planning on breaking my water and starting pitocin right away, but ended up waiting a bit since I was contracting on my own. However, both of my nurses said that once your water breaks, things tend to become more intense, so it's not a bad idea to get the epidural right before they break your water, if that's an option. And many people say it takes a while to get, but I got mine within about 5-10 minutes of the nurse calling for them, and it kicked in immediately.

Also, I asked my nurse about it "wearing off", and as a previous poster said, they can control the medicine so it can last up until the delivery. However, as you get close, your contractions will get stronger and the epidural might not be enough to cover your contractions. They will also probably lower or stop the epidural while you're pushing so you are feeling the contractions and know when to push.

[gabbylovee]

I got the epidural when i was 7 centimeters was stubborn but couldnt take the pain so i got it and after they gave me the shot i nocked out woke up numb they control the medicine so they can have it last up all the way till ur baby is born they lowered the epidural medicine down a little when i started to push though because it takes a little longer when u dont feel the pain but get the epidural when u want its ur decision  congrats!

[ClarissaG]

I got my epi at 5 cm because i asked for
It then it took me 3 days to get from a 1-5 but as soon as i got the epidural it kicked in right away and i went from a 5-10 in 1 hour and it was my first baby!

[Gnay]

Thank you @Rmariee!

[Rmariee]

Also, my epidural lasted for 8 hours then wore off :( honestly the epidural doesn't hurt at all. Good luck

[Rmariee]

I wasn't able to get the epidural until my blood work was in and until I was 5cm. I got it because I was being induced and the contractions were soooo horrible! Ask for it as fast as you can in case the anesthesiologist is busy.

[Gnay]

Thank you for all the information!! :)

[rdc4862]

I'm not sure exactly but they can put more medicine in if it starts to wear off.

[Gnay]

Oh wow! Maybe I should wait until later since this will be my first baby. How long does epidural last for??

[rdc4862]

It was my second child so that's probably why he came so quick but I wish I would have got it sooner

[rdc4862]

I waited till I was 5-6cm dilated they broke my water and then did the epidural I was in so much pain it was crazy. She said the epidural would take a few mins to kick in well I was in so much pain the nurse went to check and I could feel him coming. I was dilated to a 10 and had to start pushing. The epidural didn't get a chance to kick in at all it was really quick though but hurt alot lol. I recommend getting it before then.

[PreggoHippie]

i've heard that you should wait till about 5-6cM dilated. But keep in mind that it takes a while for them to give it to you. Also, depending on where you go, some hospitals have it patient controlled where you can up the dosage whenever you feel the need to. I would ask the place you plan on birthing at if they offer patient control.