https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:06:44 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-medications-during-labor#post-1678121 Wed, 04 Jun 2014 12:01:27 +0000 Grace 1678121@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PixieStix: It's evil. I swear it could be used as a torture drug. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-medications-during-labor#post-1678078 Wed, 04 Jun 2014 11:51:05 +0000 PixieStix 1678078@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@wonderstruck: That makes me feel better. I'm not so bad with needles but I'm a big baby when it comes to pain. x.x</p> <p>@Grace: Yeah, what is with that Pitocin?! I wasn't really contracting much at first after the failed attempt to break my water. And then about 4-5 hours later they said my contractions were on top of each other, and thus never ending. They ended up stopping the Pitocin and giving me something to counter-act the contractions. It kinda scares me to think of all the different drugs and medicines I got that day. :/ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-medications-during-labor#post-1677734 Wed, 04 Jun 2014 10:21:00 +0000 Grace 1677734@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had fentanyl after needing pitocin. I got two doses and I don't recommend it. There were no weird side effects and baby was just fine, but it was so short-lasting that I don't feel it was worth it. I wanted an epi after that, but anasteseologist wasn't available. Had nitrous gas, which was awesome. Loved that stuff. I was bad though, I was only supposed to inhale it during contractions, but the contractions were one on top of another (as I'm sure you remember from your pitocin labour), so I just kept sucking. I had a spinal before my c-sec which was wonderful. All drugs were out of my system by then, and I didn't feel anything from the needle.</p> <p>Having been through it, my plan if there is a next one, will be to labour without anything as long as I can, but if they require pitocin again, then I will have an epidural. No way am I going through that again. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-medications-during-labor#post-1677492 Wed, 04 Jun 2014 09:31:56 +0000 wonderstruck 1677492@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PixieStix: Well, they did the epidural between contractions, and it was nothing compared to the pain of those! They told me to expect something like a bee sting. I've never actually been stung by a bee so I can't verify how accurate that comparison is. I mean, it stung a bit, but the pain was short and I didn't really mind it since I knew it would end the pain of contractions. And I'm a person who has actually vomited and passed out when trying to get blood work done before, so I HATE needles. But it really wasn't bad. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-medications-during-labor#post-1677119 Wed, 04 Jun 2014 08:06:28 +0000 PixieStix 1677119@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So I got my epidural while still under the effects of Stadol: Did it hurt for you ladies? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-medications-during-labor#post-1676909 Wed, 04 Jun 2014 00:29:49 +0000 Boogs 1676909@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had an epidural that failed twice and I feel like it contributed to my lack of progress. Things were moving quickly for me until I had the epi. :/ Still have no clue what I want to do for my next birth. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-medications-during-labor#post-1676886 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 23:16:39 +0000 ScarletBegonia 1676886@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No narcotics for me, they make me soooo nauseated.<br /> I had an epidural after pushing for an hour. Getting the epidural was the hardest thing ever (with it having to be inserted in between contractions every 30sec), but once it was in, my god the sweet relief. Will be getting an epidural the minute I get to the hospital, should there be a next time! Absolutely no ill effects to me or the baby. In fact, his HR was dropping before the epidural, and was completely stable once it took effect. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-medications-during-labor#post-1676839 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 22:18:00 +0000 regberadaisy 1676839@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was hooked up to an IV because I tested positive for group b strep. I ended up using a epi. My only one big no was narcotics of any kind. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-medications-during-labor#post-1676820 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 21:53:59 +0000 Emsmems 1676820@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I got fentanyl when I was waiting for my epidural and I don't remember it helping at all. Just to clarify, narcotics are (supposed to be) given during a contraction so the dose to the fetus is minimized. Fentanyl is good (for baby) because it's short acting, so it wears off quickly. The epidural is the only thing that gave me relief. And it was amazing, I would get one again for sure. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-medications-during-labor#post-1676817 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 21:52:41 +0000 MrsRcCar 1676817@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had an epidural with both labors. N was pretty much uncomplicated, however I did suffer a small spinal fluid leak. </p> <p>When I was in labor with E, they have me two separate drugs to stop labor. Neither drug worked. I also suffered a much bigger spinal fluid leak. E was born early so it is unclear if the meds during birth caused any of his issues. </p> <p>With all of this being said I will absolutely get an epidural with our next one. I can't handle the back labor. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-medications-during-labor#post-1676771 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 21:05:32 +0000 wonderstruck 1676771@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had an epidural about 20 hours into labor, and I wish I'd done it sooner because my body progressed SO much more quickly with it. I did end up needing an emergency c-section, but it had nothing to do with the epidural. I will definitely get the epidural sooner next time, by the time I got it my labor had already been dragging on for so long and had been constant contractions with no breaks between them. I'm hoping to have a shorter labor next time if I get the epi sooner.</p> <p>My doctor absolutely will not allow a vbac if pitocin becomes necessary - it significantly increases the risk of uterine rupture, which is very very serious. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-medications-during-labor#post-1676614 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 20:11:05 +0000 Mrs. Oatmeal 1676614@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used gas for a few hours, and it was wonderful. If I hadn't stalled out and swelled up, it probably would have been enough of a help to get me through. I also had sterile water injections. I did get an epidural, but it was quite late and it didn't really do much. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-medications-during-labor#post-1676590 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 20:02:43 +0000 blackbird 1676590@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm game for an epidural again. Primarily because it doesn't affect the baby, just me. Narcotics sort of...don't work well for me. Make me sick and/or I need a higher dose </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-medications-during-labor#post-1676582 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 20:00:26 +0000 AvantLaLettre 1676582@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm with you, I'm pretty traumatized by my first birth, the only difference is I'm 19w pregnant again. I waited longer than we ever intended to get pg again because I never "forgot" like everyone says you do! I was in prodromal labor for 3 days and didn't sleep for literally 3 straight days by the time I was finally admitted. They gave me some fluids and something for the pain (I think a narcotic) when I was in triage because they thought I needed to rest before my body would actually kick start into labor. I remember it really relaxed me, but I still didn't even fall asleep. I ended up needing pitocin and got an epidural at 5cm, then came very close to a c-section because I stalled at 8 or 9cm. During her actual birth there were various issues, ranging from me spiking a fever to her HR dropping with every push. I managed to deliver vaginally after pushing 3 hours. I think she was fine, no issues after birth. I don't know if the complications were all due to my pain meds or not. My epi was a godsend even though it didn't work 100%. In the perfect world I'd love to go drug free but I honestly can't imagine the pain, so I'll probably get another epidural and stay hopeful that I can avoid a c-section. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-medications-during-labor#post-1676385 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 18:44:32 +0000 deerylou 1676385@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had complications from my initial epidural attempt (spinal tap), but no ill effects for baby. She was delivered vaginally without additional intervention. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-medications-during-labor#post-1676380 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 18:40:27 +0000 PixieStix 1676380@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Lots of good stories and info here from you all. I really appreciate it.</p> <p>To clarify, I really never wanted to take Stadol and didn't intend to, and it's partially my fault I didn't look in to it more but the doc never made a big deal of it (i.e. didn't tell me all the possible side effects). But, I chickened out early labor with the pain and anxiousness. I also did NOT want Pitocin but I was 9 days past the due date and had elevated blood pressure, so they said the Pitocin was a must to get the baby out.</p> <p>All in all, I just feel sort of shaken by the whole experience and am already trying to make sure the second one goes easier and that I'm more informed with a plan before-hand -- even though another kiddo is way off the radar for now. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-medications-during-labor#post-1675778 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 14:22:25 +0000 Rainbow Sprinkles 1675778@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i was induced with pitocin and then had three failed epidurals with my first pregnancy, but I was able to successfully deliver vaginally. I ended up with over 30 stitches, with I attribute to being induced and the baby kind of being "forced" out of me.</p> <p>With my second delivery, I labored in the tub and went completely medication free. No IV, no monitors, nothing. It was like night and day from my first delivery experience, and was amazing. recovery was a breeze and I ended up with only 2 stitches. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-medications-during-labor#post-1675674 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 13:56:32 +0000 Pumuckl 1675674@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I went med-free with my first and I'll try again with #2. It was all too quick for any drugs (I went from 5 to baby in under 2 hours) and I really wanted to make it without someone sticking a needle in my back. </p> <p>I also got acupuncture the weeks leading up to the birth which is supposed to soften the cervix and make it easier to dilate. All my friends that got it too also had very quick and easy deliveries. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-medications-during-labor#post-1675642 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 13:47:01 +0000 Alivoo01 1675642@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I received the epidural and no problems with me or the baby. I was also on Pitocin since I was being induced. Baby had hear decels, but once I found a position he liked, no problems. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-medications-during-labor#post-1675618 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 13:36:45 +0000 prettylizy 1675618@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I went med free for both girls, I know every labour is different but for me it was all mind over matter. First labour was long and ended up needing pitocin, second was so much easier and faster. I was in total denial that I was even in active labour and when we finally got to the hospital I was just about ready to push. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-medications-during-labor#post-1675591 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 13:25:03 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1675591@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I got stadol and hated it. It was just one dose but it made me feel like drunk sleepy and couldn't control myself. I still remember a lot of the pain but just not being able to physically do anything about it (like stand up, curl over, etc). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-medications-during-labor#post-1675588 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 13:23:55 +0000 Dandelion 1675588@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With S I first tried Stadol and then epidural (she had already lost her heartbeat at this point so I wasn't worried about any side effects on her). The stadol was ok but the epidural is what gave me real relief. I definitely recommend skipping right to it if you don't want to be med free. It's way safer for baby and works better. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-medications-during-labor#post-1675585 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 13:23:00 +0000 BelugaBean 1675585@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I ended up with half a dose of Nubain because I was in so much pain that it was affecting my breathing and LO's heart rate. It was too late at that point for an epidural because I was involuntarily pushing so that was my option. I was almost sleeping in between contractions which helped me push more effectively. They told me it had no effect on LO because she was born so soon after I was administered the medication. It took away none of the pain from the contractions but the resting in between was nice. I had no side effects. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-medications-during-labor#post-1675582 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 13:21:53 +0000 MamaMoose 1675582@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was absolutely against IV narcotics as they can cross the placenta and get to the baby. My epidural was amazing. I had LO vaginally with no intervention (pitocin, episiotomy, etc). I felt the pressure and the need to push, but no pain, and LO handled everything great, no scary heart rate drops or signs of distress. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-medications-during-labor#post-1675563 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 13:15:36 +0000 Anagram 1675563@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had an epidural, no narcotics. No issues with the epi though--for me or LO. I would say it was a "light" epidural though. I could still move my legs and feel the contractions but the pain was so much better.</p> <p>I was up and walking right after our skin to skin time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-medications-during-labor#post-1675549 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 13:13:02 +0000 ElbieKay 1675549@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have heard horrible stories about Stadol, and I have never heard anyone say anything positive about it.</p> <p>I tried to hold off on an epidural. I lasted 17 hours, then I finally got one. After another 2-3 hours I still had a small lip on my cervix so they gave me some Pitocin. After another couple of hours on the Pit, it was time to push. It took a little over half an hour to push him out.</p> <p>His heart rate was fine the whole time, and he's a very alert an robust baby. So, I'm ok with how things played out during my labor. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-medications-during-labor#post-1675545 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 13:12:00 +0000 LAZB 1675545@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I got a dose of Stadol, and it worked great for me. It actually made me pass out almost immediately (light weight I guess!), and I would wake up occasionally if I had a particularly bad contraction. Once they put in my epidural, I didn't really wake up until it was time to push, at which point I was totally awake and remember everything. I will definitely try going this route again with the next one. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-medications-during-labor#post-1675503 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 13:00:53 +0000 gilmoregirl 1675503@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I received a dose of Fentanyl after my epidural wore off twice. It was given through my epidural catheter, which I THINK keeps it from the baby? I am not actually sure of that, though. I didn't notice any negative effects on me or the baby; my son was very alert and we had no issues with breastfeeding. That's just my experience though. I'd do it again if I had to (but I'd hope to have a more successful epidural the next time, preferably). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-medications-during-labor#post-1675478 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 12:53:07 +0000 Woolly Mammoth 1675478@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I went med-free but still ended up with a c-section due to LO's heart rate. So it's certainly not a guarantee. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-medications-during-labor#post-1675461 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 12:48:26 +0000 Arden 1675461@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would absolutely choose an epidural over a narcotic like Stadol. Narcotics can make you feel like crap and they can cross over to the baby, so I just don't want anything to do with them.</p> <p>You are wanting to try for a VBAC? I would either go med-free or get an epidural, but I definetly wouldn't use pitocin for a VBAC. It raises the risks significantly.</p> <p>I went completely med-free, and will next time as well. I used the tub and a doula to help me with pain management. My labor did not go as planned and there were some significant complications (not related to my lack of drugs though) but I was still able to deliver her vaginally and med-free. </p>