I did not have an epidural and ended up with only 3 stitches. I didn't feel her doing it. She told me after she was done and everything. I'm not sure if they numb the area or you're just too distracted by your baby to notice. Also, you are less likely to tear if you don't have an epidural. Waiting until you feel the urge to push, instead of pushing as soon as you reach 10cm also helps.
I was thinking the same thing. Second pregnancy for me... But I am planning on doing it without an epidural.
I didnt have an epidural and i got 6 stitches when i tore, only because she came out facing up instead of facing the ground.. I really didn't feel anything while she was doing it. The only pain i felt was afterwards when using the bathroom and cleaning it. After a few days it goes away. They heal up on their own too. I think mine healed after 1 week and a half. Its not that bad. If you push at the right times and not too hard/fast i dont think you should tear. Good luck!
I ended up with an epi and couldn't feel them stitching me up. They told me if I made it without an epidural, they would numb the area and then stitch me.
Thanks ladies i feel better knowing none of u felt anything
I had an epidural and felt every stitch. I had several. I asked the doctor twice to please numb the area and he just said we were almost done. It was about 10 minutes. It was worse than pushing my daughter out. I filed a complaint with the hospital because even my nurse seemed surprised he wouldn't numb me after being asked twice. I missed watching my daughter get cleaned up and weighed because I was so focused on the pain. Apparently another woman was ready to push next door and he was trying to hurry. I would say to make sure and let them know you'd like a local to numb the area if you need stitches. My epidural also wore off right when it was time to push so that may have been why I felt everything.
Oh really sorry to hear that, i will deff tell them before so they have everything ready because i dont want an epidural just because my mom had back problems after getting the
epidural with my brother and now im scared, but thanks anyway
No problem! I didn't mean it to sound so scary. I'm apparently still mad. Lol. I wasn't sure about the epidural either. I might not get one this time. Mine wore off twice before I even pushed. I do know I will definitely make them have the numbing medication in my sight before things get rolling this time. Lol. Good luck!
If you don't have an epidural, you're less likely to tear in the first place... so that's something to consider as well. I had a med-free birth of a 9lb baby, I'm 5'2" and was 125lbs with a small frame before getting pregnant, and didn't need a single stitch. It also helps if you aren't laying on your back to push - there are several better options for optimal positioning.
If you do need stitches, the magic word is "lidocaine". Stings like crazy going in but numbs a local area better than anything else.
Which positions were you in?