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Category: Labour & Delivery

Asked by Nunchuk

Q: What pain alternatives are there besides epidural and spinal tap?

I'm looking into other options as I'm not sure about the epidural or spinal tap, for a few reasons. I'm a chronic migraine sufferer and I've read that these can cause migraines as a side effect. Also people are more prone to tearing with the epidural (I'm aware some people still tear without and some don't tear on epidural). Also, not the biggest fan of needles and the thought of the needle going into my spine makes me more terrified of that than childbirth (not afraid of that much at all). I'm okay with little needles, like for bloodwork (the blood clinic nurses are freaking awesome at their jobs here and I don't feel a thing).

I'm leaning towards natural if there's no other option, but I'm curious. My friend is doing hypnotherapy but I doubt it would work on me.

This question was asked Sep. 23, 2014 3:27pm
Category: Labour & Delivery

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Answered by kcrittenden - Sep. 26, 2014 2:44pm
I had the epidural with my first and went 100% natural with my second. Though it was VERY painful I would take that over the epidural anytime! I plan to do the natural route again with this baby. The feeling you feel after the baby is out is wonderful. You feel like a super hero with a million dollars lol. I am so proud to tell people I did it naturally at my young age too, and though people think I am nuts I still feel it was a 'bucket list' thing :). Don't get me wrong, the epidural is awesome but the healing process after is hard. You won't regret it and it's an extremely rewarding experience! But either way you do it, it results in the birth of your beautiful child :). Good luck!

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Answered by sj_sarah - Sep. 25, 2014 3:26am
I was against having an epidural because I'm also scared of needles but it was the best thing I did and would definitely do it again. I didn't see the needle before and they did it so quickly for me I hardly felt a thing. It took all the pain away which was great because I was scared of pushing too. Took a while to wear off but in the long run it was best for me. I was also able to sleep and rest on epidural because I had a long labour

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Answered by HzlGreenEyes - Sep. 24, 2014 4:21pm
I know some women who went through labor without any meds and let me say, They are my Hero. Once the membrane (sac) was broken, my body went into shock and I starting uncontrollable shaking. Like shivers but WORSE. Once they administered the epidural... You do not see the needle just so you know, my shakes slowed down then stopped. They had given me a walking epidural due to me dilating so quickly. I felt no pain (until the doc told me to STOP PUSHING because she wasn't prepared and felt the ring of fire), after I tore down there the doc had stitched me up and I didn't feel a thing. Tearing down there really isnt as bad as you think. You can go other ways per your choice, but I know that most women who wanted an epidural towards the end couldnt get it because it was too late.

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Answered by stickybean1976 - Sep. 24, 2014 9:32am
I had gas to start as I had said don't give me an epidural no matter what I say, then the gas made me vomit, In the end I begged and I mean begged then finally the epidural was given to me OMG it was bliss he was my hero at the time, the pain from labour will overwhelm any feeing of a massive needle going into your spine, I never even felt it and of course you don't see it. I wished I'd had it sooner but that's just me, it's not for everyone. I will be having it as soon as I get to the hospital with this next one. GL with your choices just remember that when in labour plans can completely go out the window and you need to be adaptable and have an open mind. GL

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Answered by cosmoholic - Sep. 23, 2014 4:56pm
I'm in Canada too!

I know the birthing centre in my city has a few options for pain relief, including nitrous oxide and sterile water injections. Here is the link - http://ottawabirthcentre.ca/what-about-pain-management

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Answered by Sianny - Sep. 23, 2014 3:55pm
You're welcome, I'd suggest asking about the Meptid as its a little weaker then the pethidine (or so I was told at the time) so it wears of quicker meaning you can enjoy your newborn, it's less likely to make you sleepy or sick too which is always a bonus.


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Answered by Nunchuk - Sep. 23, 2014 3:48pm
Thanks ladies! I'm not afraid of pain and don't mind if I feel a bit. Taking the edge off is enough for me. It's just some thoughts for now and weighing my options and seeing what there is out there before I make the decision. Here in Canada, at least in my area I normally only ever hear about the epidural, so thought I'd ask what else there was, even if not commonly used.

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Answered by Sianny - Sep. 23, 2014 3:41pm
Hey hun, an epidural (walking or full) is the only full pain relief.
The other options only 'take the edge off' the actual pain, its still really painful so you still react the same but you're rather high so you kind of care less is the best way I can explain it. I had Meptid during my labour and it still hurt like hell but apparently I was rather funny and asked the nurse stitching me up if she was darning her name down there...
I wanted to try a TENS machine, its a device that sends out harmless pulses to block the pain signals during the first stages of labor but if you don't use it in the right place at the right time it might not work. Here in the UK you can rent them or if you have the mind to try it you can buy your own but I think once you are in the pus.
There are meditations and breathing exercises which have been known to come close to blocking out the pain and some ladies swear by it which I might try this time. This is what I know of in the UK, I hope this helps X

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Answered by aprilluvsmoz - Sep. 23, 2014 3:35pm
I actually had a visit with an anesthiologist as required by my clinic. I was able to talk to him regarding all pain management that is availble. I am not the biggest fan of a needle in my back either. He told me that they could put pain medicine in my iv it would get me through the first and second stage of labor but I would feel everything. While I do have reservations on pain management during delivery if and when I do come to that point I feel better about being informed from one of the doctors that could potentially be administering it. I would check to see if getting an consult is an option at your hospital.

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