https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 25 Apr 2026 02:09:07 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-the-epidural-feel-like/page/2#post-779888 Tue, 14 May 2013 08:29:55 +0000 sumer08 779888@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I ended up with a failed epidural (long story!), but the actual process of getting the epidural was MUCH better than I had anticipated. All I really felt was a tiny pinch when they numbed the area, followed by some pressure. The entire process took about 15-20 minutes max. The nurse did a good job of distracting me during the process (she sat directly in front of me, next to my hubby)...we talked about the baby's name, nursery theme, etc... </p> <p>I do remember getting a headache, but that could have also been related to a lack of sleep/food during labor...who knows though! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-the-epidural-feel-like/page/2#post-779854 Tue, 14 May 2013 08:21:09 +0000 heartonastring 779854@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The only thing I felt was the needle with the numbing agent. I didn't feel anything after that. Honestly, considering I was having long, double-peaking contractions by the time I got the epi (I was 6-7cm and 9 hours into pitocin-induced labour), any other discomfort paled in comparison. I was so focused on staying still through contractions while the anesthesiologist placed the epidural that I don't remember feeling a thing other than that initial sting from the local anesthetic. </p> <p>It took about 15-20 minutes to feel complete relief. They turned me regularly to ensure full coverage on both sides. A window kept opening up right in the centre of my lower abdomen though where I could feel the contractions. They kept adding more to my epidural to get it covered again.I was able to get some good sleep in after that and within about four hours had dilated to 9 cm.</p> <p>ETA: Three weeks pp and absolutely no after-effects from the epi. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-the-epidural-feel-like/page/2#post-779754 Tue, 14 May 2013 07:37:47 +0000 sorrycharlie 779754@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@TurtleDoves: when I got to the hospital, I was already in transition, lol! When my water broke and contractions started, things moved super fast. I begged them in triage to get moving but I guess I didn't look "in pain" enough, so they took their time getting to me. Between the time I finally got a bed in triage, and 40m later when they checked me in my L&amp;D room, I was fully dilated :( The nurse in my L&amp;D room took pity on me because I'd been there for two hours already (down in triage, waiting for a gurney..not even in a room to labor! on a friggin chair in the waiting area!!). They gave me the epi as long as I could sit still, and boy was that motivation. I didn't move an inch!!</p> <p>My mom delivered me within 15 minutes of arriving at the hosp (no time for an epi) so that was my biggest fear. The OB at my practice kept saying that first time moms go slow, and even when I called to say my water broke (at 4:50) the on-call OB (who didn't deliver me) told me to stay home til 10p before heading in!! I was fully dilated by 8:30, and she was born at 9:27. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-the-epidural-feel-like/page/2#post-779093 Mon, 13 May 2013 19:31:06 +0000 MrsF 779093@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My epidural was placed before my induction and I don't remember it hurting at all. I'm sure it wasn't comfortable, but not bad enough to remember! At first, only one of my legs was numb so the doc came back and adjusted it a little bit. After that, it was awesome. Whenever I see the anesthesia resident who did my epidural at work I make sure to tell everyone he's my hero! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-the-epidural-feel-like/page/2#post-779009 Mon, 13 May 2013 18:40:27 +0000 ladyfingers 779009@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I really didn't feel mine at all (I mean in terms of actually getting it -- it didn't hurt or anything). My water broke and I immediately started having contractions and was already 7 cm when we got to the hospital an hour later and was vomiting and almost 9 cm when I got the epidural a couple of hours after that, so whatever they did back there was NOTHING compared with everything else I was feeling.</p> <p>Within maybe 2 minutes, I felt NO PAIN. Some pressure, but NO PAIN. They told me it would cut it down by 80%. My experience was more like 98%. I got tingly and had to keep turning from side to side periodically because one leg would go numb, then the other. And it did slow down my contractions -- I was 10 cm when they did the check about 30 minutes after I got the epidural, but remained at a 0-1 station for a few hours until they finally administered Pitocin to get things moving. But since I was already complete, it wasn't a big deal to get the Pitocin and it did the trick. </p> <p>Once the baby started descending, I could feel a lot more pressure, and it was uncomfortable enough I had to start breathing through it. When he crowned, that was painful enough that I totally stopped pushing and told the midwife, "I can't do this!" But of course, I had to keep going :) But I cannot imagine how much it would have hurt had I *not* gotten the epidural.</p> <p>It also didn't help with part of my stitches, because I had a second-degree tear so once she started stitching further back, it was an area the epidural hadn't really affected.</p> <p>I did not get a spinal headache and was able to walk pretty shortly after they removed the epidural.</p> <p>My experience was excellent and I would not hesitate to get one in the future. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-the-epidural-feel-like/page/2#post-778973 Mon, 13 May 2013 18:26:22 +0000 Rubies 778973@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't even feel it! My contractions were occupying my mind. No side effects! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-the-epidural-feel-like/page/2#post-778923 Mon, 13 May 2013 17:57:29 +0000 lolabee 778923@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It didn't feel awesome (I'd say beestingish but no lingering pain) but in hindsight I think it was the crunching sound that made me start to cry. I got mine after 32 hours of back labour and being awake for 41...I figured it was my last chance of having a vaginal birth. It took away my back labour for the duration of labour but I still could feel my legs and was able to walk/go pee which was fabulous! When it came time to push I could feel everything down there which I think helped out during pushing :) As for residual effects, I had awful back/hip pain for about a month afterwards. I chalk it up to a combination of the epi and back labour. I will try again for a med free birth with #2. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-the-epidural-feel-like/page/2#post-778842 Mon, 13 May 2013 16:56:47 +0000 dolphin 778842@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>they poked me right when i was having a contraction so i didn't even feel the epidural go in. i was too distracted from the pain of my contractions! i was sooooo relieved when i got the epi and it works fast! i didn't experience any bad side effects from the epi, no head aches or back aches. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-the-epidural-feel-like/page/2#post-778806 Mon, 13 May 2013 16:44:15 +0000 Raindrop 778806@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Interesting qusetion.</p> <p>I was in so much pain with the contractions that the pain of getting the Epidural was nothing in comparsion. :)</p> <p>It was an uncomfortable pinch in my back from what I remember - some people say it's a bit like a bee sting and that's what the doctor that put in me said it would feel like. But it was sweet sweet relief from the contractions. I was able to take a quick nap before pushing the baby out because of it.</p> <p>I had no side effects from mine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-the-epidural-feel-like/page/2#post-778794 Mon, 13 May 2013 16:39:40 +0000 cascademom 778794@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@TurtleDoves: I had to pace around the waiting room while they did paperwork. Once they got me hooked up and checked, I immediately started asking for the epidural. I turned into a total wuss, but I got that epidural fast! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-the-epidural-feel-like/page/2#post-778791 Mon, 13 May 2013 16:38:01 +0000 Ree723 778791@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What does an epidural feel like? Heaven on earth! It didn't hurt at all - a tiny prick when they administer the anesthetic, no worse than any other shot, and then I think it felt cold going in, but compared to contractions, it was nothing.</p> <p>Mine worked perfectly, the doctor said I was the dream patient in terms of ease getting it in. I could still move my legs and felt zero pain or pressure. I took a nap, read my book, watched Masterchef, and just hung out happily waiting for LO to get here. It was fantastic. I didn't have any side effects nor did it stall labour.</p> <p>Next time, I want the epi as soon as contractions start, forget this working through them for a while nonsense! :). As you can tell, I loved my epidural and cannot recommend them highly enough. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-the-epidural-feel-like/page/2#post-778622 Mon, 13 May 2013 15:23:35 +0000 CupQuakeWalk 778622@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cascademom: lol yes! I went to triage to fill out paperwork and I was like "can we do this after the epi!?" The lady looked at me funny. She said "this should only take a moment". </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-the-epidural-feel-like/page/2#post-778605 Mon, 13 May 2013 15:19:36 +0000 cascademom 778605@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@TurtleDoves: I went into the hospital around the same time of dilation. I was a total wuss too. Though, I asked for it when I was in triage long before I got admitted, best thing ever. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-the-epidural-feel-like/page/2#post-778578 Mon, 13 May 2013 15:12:14 +0000 CupQuakeWalk 778578@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sorrycharlie: omgosh. Why the flippity-flip did you wait that long?!? I walked in the hospital at 4-5m and was like "epi please!" I thought I would be so strong but when the time came, I saw a big ole wuss.</p> <p>It didn't hurt? It was just like an awkward gush? Like it felt like nothing I'd ever felt. I was very scared because I'm a chicken, not really because it hurt. I never got wad he's it anything but the tea was sore for maybe 8w. The anesthesiologist warned me about that but he said 4w. It was 8 for me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-the-epidural-feel-like/page/2#post-778573 Mon, 13 May 2013 15:08:35 +0000 LazyLightning 778573@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For those who said it wore off... did you get a spinal block versus epidural? My doc told me it 'cant' wear off because you can continue to add more to the dosage with a little button. Anyway I hope mine doesn't wear off!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-the-epidural-feel-like/page/2#post-778155 Mon, 13 May 2013 13:20:35 +0000 dagret 778155@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My first reaction to this question? HEAVEN. </p> <p>It pinched a bit going in, but the relief was immediate. My legs were completely numb though. I pushed just fine.<br /> My back felt bruised where they placed it for about 3-5 days. That's the extent of it for me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-the-epidural-feel-like/page/2#post-778148 Mon, 13 May 2013 13:19:49 +0000 heffalump 778148@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It was sooooo hard to sit still to get it done during contractions. But I don't remember any pain from the actual shot. Then the doctor said, "You should feel 3 or so more contractions and then it will kick in." Then DH asked if I felt the first contraction because he saw it on the computer screen.... and I didn't :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-the-epidural-feel-like/page/2#post-778142 Mon, 13 May 2013 13:18:42 +0000 LittleFox 778142@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I felt mine go in and it was kind of like a bee sting. Mine was great for the first few hours, but then it didn't block out the contractions at all anymore. They gave me a button to push for more numbing and I used it, but nothing worked. I couldn't feel my legs, though, so I couldn't move around to try not being in pain. If it had worked with the whole time it would've been amazing. I'm still glad I got it because when it did work it let me rest for a while, which I really needed after having had contractions for so long up to that point. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-the-epidural-feel-like/page/2#post-778030 Mon, 13 May 2013 12:51:40 +0000 chopsuey 778030@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't remember feeling anything with my first. I felt immediate relief too.<br /> With my 2nd I felt some pain and it took at least 20 mins before I felt relief. I was also fully dilated and ready to push around the time I got it! Just didn't realize it at the time.. </p> <p>No headaches or any side effects. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-the-epidural-feel-like/page/2#post-778025 Mon, 13 May 2013 12:50:40 +0000 Bao 778025@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I felt a tiny poke but nothing more, it hurt less than when they drew my blood. It was pretty sore for a few days, but worth it ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-the-epidural-feel-like/page/2#post-778017 Mon, 13 May 2013 12:49:19 +0000 MsLipGloss 778017@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HighWire: "Small poke in the back, but that's it. WAY better than the horrid contractions I was having while sitting up waiting for it to be administered." This was my experience too! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-the-epidural-feel-like/page/2#post-777804 Mon, 13 May 2013 11:57:07 +0000 KT326 777804@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't even feel mine. I was already 7cm by the time I got it and I had no complications at all. I think the worst part was removing the tape on my back. I had a different dr come in to remove it and even she was wondering why the other dr put so much tape on me! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-the-epidural-feel-like/page/2#post-777785 Mon, 13 May 2013 11:48:46 +0000 mrsjyw 777785@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a really good experience and didn't feel anything besides the cooling sensation of alcohol and numbing meds. </p> <p>IT WAS HEAVENLY. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-the-epidural-feel-like/page/2#post-777778 Mon, 13 May 2013 11:47:03 +0000 hellobeeboston 777778@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It was only 6.5 months ago but I can barely remember! i had been laboring at home for about 9 hours and was SO ready when I got to the hospital to get it - i had started shaking at home pretty bad so I was worried about getting it while my whole body was shaking --- two nurses held me and I gripped their hands SO TIGHT, i think my nerves about it plus pain from contractions overshadowed any pain from the epi - but if anything it was minor for me....</p> <p>Shortly after it took my body stopped shaking and I could relax &amp; take a nap! My epi kept pooling on one side so I would have to turn to get it to flow into my other side, but it was fine --- i let it wear way down towards the end so I could still feel contractions before I pushed but the pain was still very dull. I definitely plan on getting another one with the next baby! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-the-epidural-feel-like/page/2#post-777771 Mon, 13 May 2013 11:45:15 +0000 Freckles 777771@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaMoose: LOL, i was just going to write "Feels like heaven" when i saw your post.</p> <p>I honestly don't remember anything when i got the needle. If there was any pressure, it wasn't anything. All i know is that i fell asleep after getting the epidural! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-the-epidural-feel-like#post-777752 Mon, 13 May 2013 11:39:06 +0000 smocks 777752@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My epidural was perfect. I had pretty bad pitocin contractions prior to getting it and I also had to go #2 (which I couldn't do b/c of stage fright, that was no fun). The epidural didn't feel great going in because of all the pressure of the contractions/angry intestines, but within 5 minutes I didn't feel any pain. I still had some control over my legs, but everything between my ribcage and legs was numb. It was kind of hard to tell if anything was happening when I was pushing (I delivered within an hour of getting the epi), but the doc and nurses coached me along and I got her out with like 10 minutes of pushing. I LOVED my epidural. No side effects afterwords either. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-the-epidural-feel-like#post-777728 Mon, 13 May 2013 11:31:23 +0000 photojane 777728@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My epidural was my favorite thing to have ever existed. It just felt like I was getting a shot &amp; then I felt NOTHING. I went from 5 to complete in 4 hours of blissful ignorance! Pushed out my babe with no pain &amp; then got stitched up without feeling a thing. No side effects or risidual pain. It was glorious. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-the-epidural-feel-like#post-777723 Mon, 13 May 2013 11:29:32 +0000 tororojo 777723@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The epidural was like sweet heaven, ahhhh. Except for when it wore off. 3 times. But the re-doses were again like sweet heaven, ahhhh. No complications, but my back was a little bit sore after delivery in the spot where it went in.</p> <p>*ETA* they numbed the area first and I didn't have to lean forward, just turned on my side. And my 3rd re-dose was in the middle of pushing when the head had been in view for awhile. I had no trouble pushing the baby out and I'm soooo glad I got more drugs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-the-epidural-feel-like#post-777705 Mon, 13 May 2013 11:23:33 +0000 lovehoneybee 777705@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Alivoo01: No, I've never had the shakes from anasthesia before. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-the-epidural-feel-like#post-777700 Mon, 13 May 2013 11:21:47 +0000 Alivoo01 777700@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cascademom: 10 minutes isn't bad. I had the shakes for about an hour upon awakening from my knee surgery despite the fact I had like 10 blankets on me!!</p> <p>@swurlygurl: That's a good thing this was your only hospital visit! =) </p>