im sorry but this may not be much help. im a ftm too and wondering same thing. I was told its the worst needle you will feel ever. but then i guess its just like a bad bee sting. but what they do is they take a long needle and insert it into your spine to numb your lower back and pelvic area.
my opinion and plan is a natural birth :) But Good Luck hun and don't stress.
To me it didn't hurt not compared to the contractions.. They have you bend your back and put in the bottom of your spine
I heard it's two needles is that true? One to numb and then the actual epidural??
I didn't even feel mine! Its different for everyone. My bf said she just didn't like the position they had her in. Stay calm if your induced they will most likely have you on pain killers before the epidural anyways (I was)
Its technically one needle they stick you with then use that to out the tube in. Everyone has told me that the numbing shot is worse than the epidural but the IV is worse than that
Pretty sure its just 1 that's what my hubby said I didn't look at the needle
An epidural is a tiny catheter placed in the space in your spine. Yes there is one needle and then a catheter placed through the needle. Honestly the pain of contractions is worse than the epidural. I didn't even notice mine cuz I was in so much pain.
I couldn't feel the epidural because I have intense back contractions. The fear of getting the epidural was more of an impact than receiving it. The worst part was holding still during contractions because I'm someone who needs to move through the pain. They make you hold a pillow and a nurse helps you roll into a ball so your back is hunched and after that the next thing I recall is being told don't move and OK all done. I didn't feel anything in between. I hope your epidural experience is as easy as mine was, but I also hope you don't end up being 7cm dialated by the time you get some relief. Good luck (:
Thanks for all your responses ladies! :) Im trying to prepare myself and from what ya'll said I have more of an idea of what to expect.