Epidural second time round - experiences...

Just after some experiences with epidurals from those who have had them in multiple births.

I'd due with #2 in 3.5 weeks and with DD1 I tried the gas (made me vomit violently and pretty much instantly) and then had an epidural later on however... the epidural didn't give me the calm effect I thought it would, I still had considerable pain down my left leg and then when they topped it up they got me to roll on my side to try to get the drug to go down that leg which then resulted in the area straight across the front of my belly having pain. So i didn't get the "lets have a nap" experience that an epi is sometimes described as. On the bright side I could feel contractions to be able to push and that part was over in 6 pushes plus i felt nothing with the after birth or subsequent stitching.

My question is should i expect the same kind of outcome if I go with an epidural for #2 or have others had this experience with one epidural and a different experience with an epidural in another birth?? I guess I'm wondering if i even bother with having this as an option in my mind. My mum, DH etc have said just to try it again if i want to as it might have just taken enough of the edge off that i could deal with it but I guess I'm just unsure..

I asked my midwife at my last appointment and she said that it may not necessarily be the same outcome but that I could try pethadine instead. I steered away from pethadine with DD as I'd seen a friend give birth after having it and she was "out of it!" and baby seemed a bit floppy when born however she said it has different effects for everyone..

I have had two epidurals. The first was wonderful - almost instant relief and it was just wearing off enough for me to feel contractions to push - needed a ventouse - didn't feel a thing :). I was up and about quickly. Second epi only worked on one side, but they rolled me side to side and finally got full coverage. Easy birth - no pain, good recovery of sensation and no ongoing issues.

The only real difference between the two was the experience of the anesthetist. First epi was done by a senior and the second by the young registrar.

I'd steer clear of peth unless its at least 2hrs before birth it made my some not feed for 3 days and I was out of it

I have had three epidurals. My first was quite painful to administer and very, very dense. I had no sensation from the waist down and was quite fascinated to watch my legs fall off the bed but not be able to feel or stop it. DD1 was a failed ventouse followed by forceps. I don't believe the epidural had any part in causing this, DD was wedged against my pelvis and couldn't descend. She was all squashed up on one side when she was born and the sharp pain on the left side of my pelvis suddenly made sense! Older anaesthetist, very experienced.

My second epidural was painless to administer. I had some control of my legs and some sensation but no pain. This one was the perfect epidural! DS was delivered after a short second stage, maybe 20 minutes of pushing. I was able to push very effectively. Anaesthetist was about 40 years old, a lot of experience.

My third epidural was a debacle. It was excruciatingly painful to administer - all four times the needle had to be inserted because the doctor couldn't find the 'right spot'. I still had a lot of pain down my left side and transition was the most painful experience of my life. I was in so much pain from the insertion and so distressed that he kept stabbing me again and again that I was sobbing. My mum also cried as she said she felt so incredibly helpless seeing me so distressed due to a doctor's imcompetence. DD2 was born after a very short second stage, about 10 minutes. The anaesthetist was young, perhaps early thirties, and when I asked whether he had 'done this before' as a joke, he looked at me nervously! When the epidural was inserted (in the end, I think he knew it wasn't properly positioned but gave up!) he didn't know how to use the pump and a ***** fight ensued with the MW's over whose responsibility it was to know how to use the pump. Did not fill me with confidence!

I think your epidural depends entirely on who is doing it! You may well find that you have a different anaesthetist this time and the result is much better. Good luck!

I had one with both my girls. With DD1 it was practically instant, I was pain free within seconds it felt. I got cold shivers as a side effect though. It worked well though. With DD2 it took longer to kick in (around 15 minutes) and as she arrived so quickly (37 minute labour!), I felt everything and the epidural took effect after she was born. Although very painful, it was great to experience the 'ring of fire' when she crowned but annoying to be pain free just after she arrived and therefore bed ridden until it wore off. I didn't get the shivers that time though.

Just a quick update..

DD2 arrived 9 days early on Friday. Gave the peth a try early on on suggestion to calm me down a little and wasn't a huge fan, did make me a bit doppy and vision was like I was drunk. Opted for epidural again and happy to say was a better experience than the one o had with DD1. Dr who did it was fantastic and explained each step, pain went almost immediately but I could still feel pressure which was fine. DD born without any assistance - very happy mummy of 2 girls..
Thanks for everyone's feedback..