What does an epidural feel like?

Answer 1

Some people experience pain with an epidural. I personally did not have any. The anesthesiologist numbs the site before placing the epidural catheter.

Everyone's different, but I did feel it. My anesthesiologist didn't numb the area beforehand, though. They had me sit on the edge of the bed, bend over (as much as is possible at this point!) and during the height of a contraction, inserted the needle quickly. Someone held me in a full nelson, so I couldn't move, even if I wanted to. With this technique, you are experiencing pain in a different area already, and since your brain can't fully focus on one pain only, the new pain, which is the epidural, isn't really felt because you are already focusing on the contraction, so both pains seem to be dulled. Kind of a sensory overload. If you are asking this question because you are afraid of what pain will come with child birth, fear not! Usually by the time they give you the epidural, your contractions are so painful that you will actually beg for the epidural. Not to scare you, but anesthesiologists seem to be in very high demand, so if you want one, I would ask slightly before you feel you need it. You might find you won't need it-- every woman's different. As soon as you get that piece of heaven, also known as an epidural, ALL pain is gone, and you can rest before you need to push. If you opt not to have the epidural, it has been my experience that the pain goes away entirely when you begin to push. Maybe it's the endorphins; I don't know. But I DO know that I am a big crybaby when it comes to pain, and the epidural sounds scarier than it really is. I have had a few kids, and with my second, contractions never got painful at all, and even though I ended up needing a c-section, when they gave my the epidural, it didn't hurt, only a quick pinch. If you have ever had a needle from the dentist, then you've gone through worse! Oh, and after, make sure they remove the tape and the catheter slowly so they don't pull off a layer of skin. The adhesive tends to be a little strong! You'll have enough to deal with after the baby is born; you don't need a scraped up back on top of it. Good luck, you will do great, and you won't even remember it after.

Answer 2

An epidural can't totally take everything away, usually the midwife or dr will let it wear off a little when it's time to push so that you can push effectively. If you cant push well and spend too long without any progress then the baby can get distressed and you might end up having to have forcepts or even a c-section. Pushing isn't as bad as contractions before an epidural though because you can actually do something with the pain.

Answer 3

The anesthesiologist will numb the area where the epidural or spinal is administered so there is very little pain associated with it. What most patients feel is pressure. That can be uncomfortable for some, but most find the relief it provides far outweighs any discomfort.


Source: http://www.lifelinetomodernmedicine.com/ArticlePage.aspx?ID=86b1e966-2781-4979-a075-9028b6d4a717&LandingID=fc6eb1da-98e4-43c7-bb9f-09c17e2a005d

Answer 4

From the hips down, your body feels 'tingly'-numb in some spots and completely numb in others. The 'tingly' feeling can be almost exactly compared to the feeling you get when your foot 'falls asleep'. When put in the right spot it takes away ALL of the pain. THEY TRULY ARE A BLESSING!

Answer 5

not at all, they give a local first so you cant feel a thing

also slightly distracted by pain elsewhere in the body!!

Answer 6

No. They give you an injection of anesthetic at the epidural site, which feels like a pinch. It is more stressful to think about an epidural than actually getting one.

Answer 7

not at all, you're numb from where the epidural is administered down to your toes.

Answer 8

Usually an epidural is injected in the lower spine so it usually does not make your neck hurt. Usually it is used to provide anethesia for the lower extremities from abdomen down.