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Post by snippet17 on Jul 22, 2015 17:46:59 GMT -5
I have no advice @lolo. I really hope Lester is not there. I do not like him.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2015 7:28:11 GMT -5
Here is my question: do you really think you will need to or want to walk around?
Me personally? When I've had any sort of pain - I've had zero desire naturally to move. None. And I can't imagine wanting to get up and walk either during active labor or immediately after having a baby. (And I know that it's not the same...but I just figure if I won't want to walk)
Therefore, an epidural makes sense for me. Narcotic pain meds make me loopy and sick to my stomach - so I want to try to avoid those.
And I have zero pain tolerance so I know I won't be able to do a natural child birth.
So, all those things taken into consideration - for me the best option is an epidural.
I think it really comes down to knowing yourself, knowing how you've dealt with any pain meds before (if you've taken them) and trying to anticipate what you want to happen during birth. Obviously if you want more mobility - or think you will - then an epidural won't necessarily be the best choice for you.
You'll make the best choice - don't doubt your instincts!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2015 8:27:43 GMT -5
Here is my question: do you really think you will need to or want to walk around?
Me personally? When I've had any sort of pain - I've had zero desire naturally to move. None. And I can't imagine wanting to get up and walk either during active labor or immediately after having a baby. (And I know that it's not the same...but I just figure if I won't want to walk) Therefore, an epidural makes sense for me. Narcotic pain meds make me loopy and sick to my stomach - so I want to try to avoid those. And I have zero pain tolerance so I know I won't be able to do a natural child birth. So, all those things taken into consideration - for me the best option is an epidural. I think it really comes down to knowing yourself, knowing how you've dealt with any pain meds before (if you've taken them) and trying to anticipate what you want to happen during birth. Obviously if you want more mobility - or think you will - then an epidural won't necessarily be the best choice for you. You'll make the best choice - don't doubt your instincts! Walking around in early labour has been shown to help move things along - most places will encourage you to walk in order to get things rolling. There isn't much walking in active labour - maybe a trip to the bathroom or something, but once you're in that phase, you won't be going anywhere. If they time your epidural properly, you should be able to get up and about shortly after you've returned to your room. Walking is encouraged within hours of birth - the sooner, the better. A nurse (or your SO) will typically escort you for the first little while - you'll be shaky, of course. Getting up and moving around begins the healing process and can speed up your recovery. But you're right - you know what you can and can't handle. Trust yourself, but be willing to change your plans as necessary. Be flexible. (they don't give epidurals here, FTR, so I have even more limited pain management options. I will opt for nothing unless something unexpected comes up. Giving birth in Quebec is sounding better and better...) Ugh. I already don't want to walk after labor! (Insert whiny little kid voice here). Heck, if I could somehow skip the labor part all together and just sort of have this baby here with me - that would be my personal preference. I'm SO not looking forward to labor or healing after. I'm trusting that my hospital choice has this all down to a science and will know what to do, when to do it, etc. And no epidural options? Woman you need to rejoin civilization - you're so far away!!! LOL |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2015 8:59:33 GMT -5
@lolo - you're amazing. Like I am sitting here in admiration of your pain tolerance...I couldn't do it. I think that for me, that's why I already know I'm going to want the epidural. I'm a wimp.
I really hope you get good news with this upcoming ultrasound and that you are able to have an easy birth. Question (and I have no idea if this has any relevance, it is something I am curious about though): how large were you at birth in comparison to your sisters and how large was your H at birth in comparison to their H's? Does that have any bearing on anything? I ask because I've found out that both my H and I were relatively small at birth in comparison to our siblings - both of our brothers were like 8lb babies whereas H and I were 5 and 6. But now? There isn't much size difference between any of us. H's brother is a few inches taller, but they're both BIG guys and my brother is a few inches taller than me - but again, built much the same way I am.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2015 9:14:19 GMT -5
@lolo - if your docs (the good ones, leave Lester out of this) feel that the baby is large or that you won't tolerate labour well, they will talk to you about scheduling. You have an "untried pelvis" - meaning you haven't given birth before, and they will try to let you labour first. If it becomes obvious in either the days leading up to, or the labour itself, that things aren't progressing, then you will have to make a decision. It is rare that things get to an emergency situation - it's really NOTHING like you see on tv... @drexelkathy - the birth weight of you, your H and siblings has very little to do with the birth weight of your current baby. It used to be general thought that it did, but it's been disproven. Basically, it has to do with mom's nutrition, fitness and any medical conditions (GD babies are bigger etc). Towards the end of the pregnancy, they will often do BPP (biophysical profiles) - which are fancy ultrasounds where they measure the baby thoroughly, followed by kick counts (non-stress tests). The weight can be off by up to a pound though - I think the techs tend to overestimate. DS was supposed to be 8+ and was a pleasant 7lbs 6oz. DD was 7lbs 9. I'd like the pumpkin to be somewhere around there. Those were good sizes. When I get back from Quebec, they will begin doing weekly BPP on me to make sure that all is well. I am SO grateful for you ladies and your knowledge. I know so little about this stuff. I read and will attend child birth classes, etc through my hospital - but I've been taking things on an "as they come" basis. I love that you ladies have so much information to share! |
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Post by nsweare on Jul 23, 2015 9:57:19 GMT -5
I can't speak regarding a vaginal delivery, but post c-section, it's really important to get up as soon as possible and start moving around. Meds started wearing off within an hour and I full feeling back within a few hours. Yes, movement was very, very slow and I was definitely sore, but it helped the recovery process so much to get up and about right away. I wasn't allowed to be up walking around for more than 24 hours after both of my c-sections. The first time I was too sick and didn't even care. After my second they wouldn't let me take the leg pump things off and wouldn't take my catheter out until exactly 24 hours had passed. I was so uncomfortable and was begging anyone who would listen to take the darn thing out. |
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