pain relief options

ameee

Hi Im 26 weeks pregnant with my third and I am a bit torn as to what to do this time around for pain relief.

My first was a five hour labour and I had an epidural, I dont want to have one again as I was left right up to the last minute with no relief and then complete numbness. I needed an episiotomy and had to have a bed bath after as I wasnt allowed get up.

My second was a two hour labour so there was no time for any drugs (I had made the decision not to have an epidural on number two but I would have liked something). I found it great as in I had full control over the labour and could listen to my body, no stitches after and a lovely hot shower . That being said it was bloody painful, I dont know if the contractions were more intense because of the quick labour :eek: .

So this time around I would like something a bit inbetween, Im sure gas and air would make me vomit everywhere as even having a nebuliser during an asthma attack many moons ago made me feel very ill :rolleyes: . I was looking into pethadine but again I have read it makes you dopey headed and I wouldnt like that.

Am I missing something?is there anything to take the edge off but still leave my brain completely grand? sorry for long post

lmullen

Have you thought about the TENS machine? I was planning on using one this time but looks like I'm going to end up with a section :-( They are meant to be good and don't have any side effects that affect you or the baby!

January

A tens machine would probably be a good option... it seems like you have short labours so could be the perfect option. You can buy them, or Boots rent them out. Make sure that they have a boost button if you buy one.

Pethidine can cross over to the baby so I personally wouldn't use that as an option.

Does your hospital offer the option to labour in a birthing pool? The Coombe has birthing pools now (and while I've heard you can't actually give birth in them they are open for use during labour) and water is supposed to be a great pain reliever during labour.

Gas and air can be ok if it's used properly some people gulp it and that's what seems to cause the nausea... I had it on two births and found it fantastic before I got the epidural.

Moonbeam

my slowest labour was 2 1/2 hours and I was adamant that I was having no pain relief, the 2nd was 34 minutes and I really wanted pain relief but of course was allowed nothing due to the speed but had a tens machine for distraction if nothing else but I was not allowed use it towards the end because babys heart rate dropped #3 was 33 minutes but far less traumatic and no tens machine because I forgot to buy new contact pads for it!!
I was also not even allowed gas and air at the end due to the speed,I would have loved pethidine or something just to take the edge off.

staticdoor71

my first labour (and only so far) was 14 hours.

I got to six cm just using the tens machine, dunno is it actually pain relief or a distraction, but it worked.

Baby was "back to back" and the pain was excruciating in my back, I also started to freak out and have a panic attack, they offered me Pethidine, which i had been adamant all along I didnt want, as I thought it wouldnt agree with me, and unlike gas and air, I knew I could just "Stop" taking the pethidine it would have to wear off.. But my god it was great, my partner said the difference he seen in me was instant. I relaxed, listened to my body, and went with the flow.

In the end I took the epidural too, and delivered my daughter 2 hours later, and didnt need any stitches.

I had gone into pregnancy and labour thinking I could do it all with out pain relief, and was disgusted with my self for needing so much.
But at the end of the day, we both escaped unscathed, and the midwives were amazing.

I would probably use pethidine again, and hope to not have to need the epidural. I didnt like the gas and air, gave me an awful headache.

In the delivery room of Castlebar hospital they had the tens machine, as i hadnt even considered one. I found it also gave my partner something to do, he was on the controls, and it also gave me something to give out about telling him to "boost boost boost".. Looking back now the midwives must have gotten a great laugh!!!:rolleyes:

ameee

Thanks everyone for the replys im thinking ill try the gas and air and pethadioesee how i get on perhaps pethadine if im in agony i think my fear is them not agreeing with me and making me feel horrible.
Moonbeam i thought mine arrived quickly but you have opened my eyes!

Moonbeam

2nd is normally quick orr so they say:)

Das Kitty

I know it probably has its drawbacks too Moonbeam, but I'm red jealous of your quick labours.

Don't rule out the gas and air OP. It could be grand.

I was advised to breathe it in only until the peak of the contraction and then take long deep breaths of air. Worked a treat.

January

Das Kitty wrote: »

I know it probably has its drawbacks too Moonbeam, but I'm red jealous of your quick labours.

Don't rule out the gas and air OP. It could be grand.

I was advised to breathe it in only until the peak of the contraction and then take long deep breaths of air. Worked a treat.

Same advice for me.

red fraggle

tens machine all the way! it was great. i even still had it on after the birth and didnt realise. you can buy then from inhealth.ie. i also used gas and air which i didnt think i would be able use but i was. made me feel a bit funny. def recommend the TENS machine tho. ill be using it again this time but im goin in with an open mind as i know no 2 labours are the same!!

banbhaaifric

Have you thought about spending some time labouring in water? I've been researching it a lot and it is supposed to really help with the pain. Even if your hospital doesn't have a pool, some time in a bath can really help. I still have my togs all packed even though it looks like a c section for me as she is staying resolutely breech:(. I'm gutted because I was really hoping for a natural birth. Last time had no stitches and was up and running around in no time.
The pool at Cumh looks amazing, and the room won a design award. It is really under used too...
There is another thread about birthing pool experiences that is worth a look too.

banbhaaifric

And I meant to say massage too! I don't know who or if you'll have someone with you but counter pressure can ease the pain of contractions too. You can get a book called The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin on amazon and it is full of ideas for coping with labour (including the low down on all the drugs too) with some massage descriptions.
My Physio was going to give my husband a one hour training session on me so he could learn about the right pressure etc to use.
I think we might still be keeping that appointment c section or not:D

Mink

I found gas and air didn't do anything but I could have been doing it wrong.

Re the birthing pool option, if hospital don't have a pool, are you in the catchment area for a homebirth, then you can have your own pool and comforts of home? Tis not for everyone though. I did have a homebirth but I didn't like the pool and abandoned it for the last few hours of labour.

Really the only thing that got me through was husband rubbing the crap out of my lower back during contractions. Like kneading dough

Moonbeam

I found gas and air did nothing either except acted as a distraction and made me feel very woozie.

ameee

I dont think a homebirth would be for me I like the safety of the hospital incase something goes wrong. Thats what Im worried about moonbeam getting all woozie and ill from it. I wouldnt do the pool just because I liked getting up and moving around between contractions. Sure I might just try not have anything and see how I go last time happened so quick there wasnt time anyway so I might be wasting my time worrying about it.

Synyster Shadow

First labour was 1hour 40 mins and tried the gas for half a min hated it so went without any pain relief which was great as I got home inside of 24 hours. Due number 2 next April and I'll defo go the same way. I was back to normal inside a week after the birth so I got it easy and I had no stitches either

Moonbeam

I didn't need recovery time after #2 and #3 at all and was happily home the next day. I was in shock after both of them which is not pleasant but that only lasted about 2 hours then i would have happily gone home.
I had stitches after #1 and was terrified of splitting them so was delighted to stay in for 3 days but I also had a private room and an en suite and it was lovely:)

Hannibal Smith

If you breathe the gas and air in and out really quickly it will make you feel sick. But if you inhale when you feel the contraction coming and exhale for the length of the contraction it really does work. Sometimes though if labour isnt progressing it will eventually lose its appeal.

Digs

Hannibal Smith wrote: »

If you breathe the gas and air in and out really quickly it will make you feel sick. But if you inhale when you feel the contraction coming and exhale for the length of the contraction it really does work. Sometimes though if labour isnt progressing it will eventually lose its appeal.

Yep I agree with this! I used a tens machine for the first while and then gas and air. It's not so much about pain relief for me but using something as a distraction. Concentrating on something other than the pain is what got me through. Another fast labour here, 3 hrs so when the contractions started coming thick and fast chomping on the gas and air inhaler was brilliant, it really focused me on my breathing too.

pwurple

That's exactly it for me, I found both pethadine and gas and air were more distractions than actual pain relief. With pethadine the distraction was to try to keep coordinated, and to not throw up... failed on both counts, fell off the bed I was on, and then threw up. I couldn't speak either with pethadine, which is why the midwives like it I suspect. Shut me up for a good half hour.

Gas and air did nothing either for me except distract me for maybe two or three contractions while I tried to figure out how to use it... followed by more vomiting.

Tens is yet another distraction technique. None of things are actual pain relief.

missis aggie

Would you consider hypnobirthing technique? Using your mind to cope with contractions. I had fast ( 3 hrs) home birth and it helped me to stay in control ( my midwife made it just to catch a baby:) also I managed pain no problem.

ameee

pwurple wrote: »

That's exactly it for me, I found both pethadine and gas and air were more distractions than actual pain relief. With pethadine the distraction was to try to keep coordinated, and to not throw up... failed on both counts, fell off the bed I was on, and then threw up. I couldn't speak either with pethadine, which is why the midwives like it I suspect. Shut me up for a good half hour.

Gas and air did nothing either for me except distract me for maybe two or three contractions while I tried to figure out how to use it... followed by more vomiting.

Tens is yet another distraction technique. None of things are actual pain relief.

see thats what scares me I dont want to be out of it and I really dont want to throw up! I want to at least have control over the top half of my body

How Strange

I used gas and air on both and found it fantastic. I did vomit both times but only when I forgot to use it properly. I'd recommend giving it a go first and if you feel you still need the epidural then ask for it. I almost asked for the epidural on my daughter. My labour went from zero to full on in an hour so the contractions were overwhelming. I probably was too far gone for it anyway but the reason I didn't ask was I knew if I stuck it out I'd be finished within an hour. I didn't want the epidural to slow it down.

I didn't want to use pethidine after seeing a baby being born on One Born Every Minute where it was floppy and purple from pethidine. That scared the bejesus out of me. The baby was fine afterwards thankfully but it was quite horrific to see it like that.

Xdancer

I tried gas and air but found it useless. My contractions weren't very bad thankfully (all in my back). I did get an epidural though as I didn't want to push without it (I'm a woose when it comes to pain 'down there'). I got that when I was at 7cm. I was up and walking around less than an hour later.....after all the stitches.

Suucee

I couldn't get the nack of gas and air. I didn't use it in time when the contraction was coming so contraction had passed by the time it kicked in and I was left laughing at absolutely nothing while the midwife and OH laughed at me. When contractions got worse and I started using it more it started making me feel very sick.
I got the epidural at 6cm had a sleep for an hour or 2 the was 10cm. Midwife had to turn epidural done as it was time to push and I couldn't feel anything. An hour later I could feel enough and started to push and LO was born. I did need an episiotomy by midwife and consultant but said I had absolutely fantastic muscles down there (like I really cared at that moment in time) so even though head was right there and I was pushing just wouldn't come out. The minute the mentioned forceps I had LO out.
When I was getting the epidural a midwife moved me to straighten me just as I was getting the epidural and got such a bad head ache. They thought I had air trapped in my spine from the epidural but head ache passed once LO was born. I was up 3 hours after she was born going to the loo and up the next morning having a shower approx. 12 hours after she was born.
Due again in march and probably will opt for epidural again.

Moonbeam

is it really hard to keep still for it? I would be terrified that I would move and mess it al up. i think they would have to knock me out to get it near me,

Gee_G

Moonbeam wrote: »

is it really hard to keep still for it? I would be terrified that I would move and mess it al up. i think they would have to knock me out to get it near me,

I think listening to other peoples stories frighten the life out of ya about the epidural! I didn't find it hard to keep still, I told them when I was having a contraction and they kind of just stopped what they were doing until it passed. I used the gas and air while they were doing it and found it all fine. They do ask you to hug a pillow(I presume to keep your back bent in a certain position) which I kept letting go of. Very hard to concentrate on all these things at once

On the gas and air, my sister and friend had explained to me very clearly how to use it properly and I found it good to take the edge off. And as soon as I felt woozy, I just took a bit deep breaths without it and it passed. But I know it doesn't agree with everyone.

Suucee

Moonbeam wrote: »

is it really hard to keep still for it? I would be terrified that I would move and mess it al up. i think they would have to knock me out to get it near me,

Like was said i just told them when i was having a contraction. It was the silly midwife (thankfilly she was only there covering my mw lunch) who thought i looked crooked on the bed so decided to try straighten me. The same midwife complained about the room being too cold and closed the windows. Eh hello i was in labour absolutely roasting .
My nornally very quiet OH actually lost the head with her when she moved me. . I gave her a right telling off.

pwurple

Moonbeam wrote: »

is it really hard to keep still for it? I would be terrified that I would move and mess it al up. i think they would have to knock me out to get it near me,

Not at all, they wait for a gap between contractions, it only takes a few seconds. And they spray the skin with a mild anesthetic I think, you don't even feel it going in. It's also behind you, so you can't see it either.

lmullen

It took 9 attempts to get the epidural into my back! I've had a few injuries in my time! But I did manage to stay still through it all - I just told them there was a contraction coming and he waited till it passed! I am going to try and do it without epidural this time though I think I panicked the last time!

icescreamqueen

When I was being given my epidural, my contractions were coming every minute so it was so difficult to not move and yelp out in pain. I had to get my partner to stand in front of me and I just clasped on to him as much as I could when I felt the wave of pain coming. It took 3 gos before the anesthetis got the needle in. However, as soon as the needle hit my back I fell into a deep, happy sleep . That was at 2.30a.m. I woke up at 7a.m completely spaced out, to find out from the midwive that I was 10cm dilated and could push when I felt like it. It definitely worked for me . However, not being able to feel myself push was very difficult and I ended up having a ventouse delivery. An epidural is not for someone who wants to be in complete control of their senses.

maireincork

Would you be into trying something like GentleBirth - used it with my labours and didn't need pain relief at all. It was great cos I had been freaking out about th birth - I don't like th feeling of not being in control and was worried that taking any of the drugs would bring out these feeling and I'd end up having a panic attack in labour so went to a workshop and listened to the CDs every night (have a bit of a type a personality so wanted to do it 'right!!!') and had 2 amazing labours - was thrilled with the results

pwurple

icescreamqueen wrote: »

An epidural is not for someone who wants to be in complete control of their senses.

That is different for different people. I had a very good epidural, it may have been at a lower level maybe? I was able to move my legs and had pressure sensations. Pushed for 25 mins, baby born with no vaccuum etc.

I was certainly much more in control of my senses than I was with gas or drugs.

madeinamerica

I'd love to read some more experiences of different types of pain relief (or none) so thought I'd revive this older thread to get the ball rolling again.

I'm 29 weeks and only starting to get my head around the whole idea of birth, was trying not to think about it till now. I've no idea what I'll be able for, but I'd love to go with as little medical help as possible. I'm in a pretty medicalised maternity system here in the US, so would love to know what the range of experiences are at home in Ireland, to know what is possible. Like, it seems not everyone goes for an epidural in Ireland while I've heard that in my hospital it is nearly everyone. It would be nice to know how others fared with or without certain types of pain relief in case I have to fight my corner

Thanks!

madeinamerica

I saw this Cochrane Review mentioned in another thread here on epidurals and thought I'd post it, see the pdf. It reviewed lots of studies on pain relief in labour. It is quite jargony but there is a plain language summary section that I found useful.

I'd never heard of it before but apparently the Cochrane library does respected reviews of medical practices http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cochrane_Library

madeinamerica

Actually, there are loads of articles here on pain relief in pregnancy, and much more I imagine. If anyone is interested, have a gander http://www.cochrane.org/cochrane-reviews and search for whatever you want.

You'll be able to get the summaries at least, and it appears Ireland is one of the countries that has got a license for free use, so you might also be able to get full articles too (I can get them through a work website).

January

madeinamerica wrote: »

I'd love to read some more experiences of different types of pain relief (or none) so thought I'd revive this older thread to get the ball rolling again.

I'm 29 weeks and only starting to get my head around the whole idea of birth, was trying not to think about it till now. I've no idea what I'll be able for, but I'd love to go with as little medical help as possible. I'm in a pretty medicalised maternity system here in the US, so would love to know what the range of experiences are at home in Ireland, to know what is possible. Like, it seems not everyone goes for an epidural in Ireland while I've heard that in my hospital it is nearly everyone. It would be nice to know how others fared with or without certain types of pain relief in case I have to fight my corner

Thanks!

I've had a natural birth with absolutely no pain relief whatsoever, a natural birth with epidural and gas & air, a c section under general anesthetic and a c section with just an epirdural.

Ask away...

icescreamqueen

I would have myself well informed about all methods of pain relief but ultimately I think you'll only make that decision when you're in the hospital or wherever you're in labour and see what kind of pain you're in. I went into labour at 12 midnight and gave birth at 10a.m. In that space of time I had sleeping pills, gas and air, pethidine and an epidural. I was not prepared for how painful my contractions were going to be. The gas and air gave me some relief and so did the pethidine but it was the edipural that gave me the most pain relief. However, it took about 30 minutes for the anesthesiologist to get the needle into my back. He had to stop between my contractions and it was very painful. However, as soon as the needle went into my back I fell asleep for 4 hours. I woke up at 7.30a.m to find out from the midwife that I was 10cms dilated and ready to push. It was such a relief to have slept through all those contractions and not have felt a thing. I really didn't feel a thing!! The epidural helped me through the really bad pain but when I was pushing I didn't feel a thing and had to rely on the midwives to tell me when I was having a contraction and when to push. I really didn't like losing that control over my body. I ended up having a natural delivery and it great amazing. I was as high as a kite when I have birth

Like I said, your experience might be completely different. You might feel minimal pain or the worse pain of your life. Just be well informed and see how things pan out for you. Good luck ))))

madeinamerica

January wrote: »

I've had a natural birth with absolutely no pain relief whatsoever, a natural birth with epidural and gas & air, a c section under general anesthetic and a c section with just an epirdural.

Ask away...

Wow, you are like a one-stop-shop there! Thanks a mill. You'll be sorry you said "ask away"

So, which was the worst? And best? Pain, length, Experience for you, Experience for your baby.
Were you ok with being knocked out for the first section? Was it any better to have the epi with c-section?
How was the pain relief for you, like were you out of it or sick with the gas and epi or were you with it and able to move?
Which would you choose to do again, if you could?
Did you have any interventions like induction, forceps etc with any type?
Were the c-sections planned or emergency? Did you feel like you had options on them or were you more told that it was the thing to do.
Why no pain relief on the first, choice or speed of the birth? And why did you go with an epidural with the second? (I am assuming they are in order)
Did you want to have skin-to-skin and if so, were you able to do it with any of them?

TBH, I'm not so worried about the pain (although of course I am scared ****less :eek:) but my main concern is if I take something and then labour slows down, bubba gets stuck and I can't push him out, then having to get induced/forceps/c-section to get him out and whatever effects they might bring.

I know I'm probably totally over thinking it and birth goes great for lots of people, but the more info I have the better I can deal with things.

Thanks a mill.

madeinamerica

icescreamqueen wrote: »

I would have myself well informed about all methods of pain relief but ultimately I think you'll only make that decision when you're in the hospital or wherever you're in labour and see what kind of pain you're in. I went into labour at 12 midnight and gave birth at 10a.m. In that space of time I had sleeping pills, gas and air, pethidine and an epidural. I was not prepared for how painful my contractions were going to be. The gas and air gave me some relief and so did the pethidine but it was the edipural that gave me the most pain relief. However, it took about 30 minutes for the anesthesiologist to get the needle into my back. He had to stop between my contractions and it was very painful. However, as soon as the needle went into my back I fell asleep for 4 hours. I woke up at 7.30a.m to find out from the midwife that I was 10cms dilated and ready to push. It was such a relief to have slept through all those contractions and not have felt a thing. I really didn't feel a thing!! The epidural helped me through the really bad pain but when I was pushing I didn't feel a thing and had to rely on the midwives to tell me when I was having a contraction and when to push. I really didn't like losing that control over my body. I ended up having a natural delivery and it great amazing. I was as high as a kite when I have birth

Like I said, your experience might be completely different. You might feel minimal pain or the worse pain of your life. Just be well informed and see how things pan out for you. Good luck ))))

Thanks icescreamqueen, that is a great description, lots of info. Wow, I can't believe you slept through the contractions, that sounds brilliant!

I've no idea what I'll be able to put up with, I thought I was relatively well able to handle physical things but so far I've had a bit of an unexpected rough time with the pregnancy so my perception of what I can handle has changed. I think you are right, I wont' know till I'm in the middle of it. So while I'd love to go with no pain relief, I am very open to it when the time comes.

Merkin

This is a really useful thread, thanks girls.

I'm 37 weeks tomorrow, yay! I've got my Mama TENS machine. For those of you who used it, did you put it on the very moment you started getting contractions or did you wait a while? Also, did you find it good? I've heard really positive things so any first-hand feedback or advice on using it appreciated.

January

madeinamerica wrote: »

Wow, you are like a one-stop-shop there! Thanks a mill. You'll be sorry you said "ask away"

So, which was the worst? The general anesthetic by far, I was out of it for about two days after the section, couldn't look after my baby properly, can't remember much of our first two days together.
And best? Natural birth!
Pain, length, Experience for you, Experience for your baby.
Pain was pretty bad on all of them, I did want the epidural when I had the natural birth but there was no time, baby was coming too quickly but I'm glad I had the experience and I had hoped to do it again (I had c section with general first, natural birth with epi second, natural birth pain free on third and c section with epi on fourth) but it wasn't to be.
Were you ok with being knocked out for the first section? No, I was hysterical, my partner wasn't allowed to attend the birth because I was asleep. Neither he, nor I witnessed our first daughters birth and it took me a long time to come to terms with that.
Was it any better to have the epi with c-section? Different, but not better, at least we both got to witness the baby being born this time. Scary as heck.
How was the pain relief for you, like were you out of it or sick with the gas and epi or were you with it and able to move? Able to move, but not much with the epi, was able to cross my legs etc but that was about it. Gas and air made a bit sick on the second birth but was fine on the first.
Which would you choose to do again, if you could? Natural, all day long, nothing beats being able to move into whatever position you like and move around straight after the birth, I was up and showered about 45 mins after I gave birth as opposed to 4/5 hours after the epidural, two days with the general.
Did you have any interventions like induction, forceps etc with any type? Induction on number 1 and number 4, both led to emergency c section.

Were the c-sections planned or emergency? Did you feel like you had options on them or were you more told that it was the thing to do. Both emergency, there were no options, I wasn't dilating despite being on oxytocin drips both times and the babies were both distressed.
Why no pain relief on the first, choice or speed of the birth? And why did you go with an epidural with the second? (I am assuming they are in order) No, not in order sorry. First was emergency c section under general, second was natural epi birth, third was natural birth, fourth was emergency c section epi. No pain relief on third because no time but I had managed fine up until then without pain relief and it was only about 20 mins from asking for pain relief until birth. Second was epidural becasue I was exhausted and wanted to sleep, after being awake for nearly 48 hours, feckers didn't let me sleep, kept waking me to take blood pressure etc.
Did you want to have skin-to-skin and if so, were you able to do it with any of them? Skin to skin was possible on both natural births, on the last c section I had skin to skin in recovery but not before, as they wanted to check baby out as he was in distress. On the first there was no skin to skin until I was in the ward.

TBH, I'm not so worried about the pain (although of course I am scared ****less :eek:) but my main concern is if I take something and then labour slows down, bubba gets stuck and I can't push him out, then having to get induced/forceps/c-section to get him out and whatever effects they might bring.

I know I'm probably totally over thinking it and birth goes great for lots of people, but the more info I have the better I can deal with things.

Thanks a mill.

Bolded the questions

Suucee

Since i last wrote on this thread i have had baba no 2. I was much more succesful using the gas and air this time. I knew what i was at and it worked well for me. But still opted for tge epidural. It was much easier getting it this time around. I did have a few moments if near panic (second baba, i knew what was coming) but fantastic midwife got stern so i got a grip. Epi didnt numb me as much this time around so still felt all the contractions etc but i was way more with it come the birth.
I had a 10 hr labour first time and 5 hr second time.

Suucee

Jesus january talk about experienced.

kandr10

Wow January! Theyre some experiences! You could write a book. I wouldn't say there's many women go through all combinations.

Just to add to what's been said, I had an epidural and found it great to be able to sleep as it was a long labour. Good to conserve some energy for the pushing. I didn't mind not being able to get up directly afterwards. I didn't really notice that I hadn't showered, I was so caught up in trying to breastfeed. I did have a bed bath so maybe that helped! Was able to shower bout 6 hours after so that was grand.

Like others have said, just be open minded and have each method researched so you know what to ask if various situations arise.

Synyster Shadow

My experience was that I didn't like gas and air so didn't Use it so managed to have both babies naturally. Even if I wanted I couldn't of had epi as with both there was no time. I was lucky that I didn't need stitches but I did need to get knocked out for manual placenta removal with my first second I delivered it myself. After the birth like about 12 hours or so after I did need difiene as tummy was cramping, slightly worse than period cramp

SmokeyEyes

Just my two cents, I gave birth last week to our first baby Oscar!

I was induced as 11 days over, waters were broken as I was already 2-3cm dilated from a week before anyways. Contractions started coming thick and fast and increasing in intensity quite fast, lasted 3 1/2 hours before I got epidural and I was checked once it had kicked in and I was fully dilated. I had said I didn't want gas and air in case it made me sick but after 2 hours of waiting for a room to free up so I could get the epidural I was in a state with the pain so at that stage I would've tried anything. Luckily it didn't make me sick, I didn't really feel it did a huge amount except make me feel a little out of it but I was so tired in between contractions it was half tiredness and half goofiness. I didn't find it did anything for the pain though but maybe I wasn't taking enough in. Epidural was amazing, it was in 5 minutes and I had instant relief but could still move my legs around and I could still feel the tightening of contractions and the pressure of the baby so I knew when to push.

cbyrd

I've had 4, fairly quick births.. only ever had gas and air. The more you use it the better you get at it. You need to be taking it before the contraction starts, sounds difficult but you do get the hang of it.
I always said i'd leave my mind open for pain relief and on 3 of them I got to a point where i said 'okay i need an epidural...!' I was ready to deliver.. :rolleyes: this time will be the same.. i'll see how far i can go myself with gas and if i need more I'll shout!

Merkin

cbyrd wrote: »

I've had 4, fairly quick births.. only ever had gas and air. The more you use it the better you get at it. You need to be taking it before the contraction starts, sounds difficult but you do get the hang of it!

Had a home visit from midwife this morning and she said the same cbyrd, that there is a very definite knack to using it and that lots of people give up because they feel it's not working but that it's worth sticking with it as you get into a rhythm and it can be very effective. Did it make you a little nauseous at all?

SmokeyEyes

Merkin wrote: »

This is a really useful thread, thanks girls.

I'm 37 weeks tomorrow, yay! I've got my Mama TENS machine. For those of you who used it, did you put it on the very moment you started getting contractions or did you wait a while? Also, did you find it good? I've heard really positive things so any first-hand feedback or advice on using it appreciated.

I foynd tens great for the early to middle stages...it definitely helps up to a certain point so you'll get great use out of it!

Merkin

SmokeyEyes wrote: »

I foynd tens great for the early to middle stages...it definitely helps up to a certain point so you'll get great use out of it!

Thanks Smokey, starting on it tomorrow! Midwife said get a little but of practice on it every evening between now and labour so that I can start building up natural endorphins, the feedback has been very positive, sounds like a good distraction and she said it's great for lower back ache too so win win! Hope the little guy is doing well