Epidural question!

I got mine at 5 after being induced and getting a foley balloon. I gained 1cm after the balloon by myself and between the balloon and the pitocin, I tapped. Got the epidural at 3am and was fully dilated and pushing at 10:57

^very similar. I got induced around 35 weeks due to growth restrictions, had pitocin, two different medications to soften my cervix, and once I had the second medication the contractions kicked in. I was probably around 5cm dilated. I felt fine, but my OB told me he thought it was better to get it done sooner than later so I didn't wait until I was in excruciating pain. I listened to his advice, got my epidural, and I plan on doing the same thing once I'm needing to have someone massage my back while laying on my side when the contractions get stronger. It's my second pregnancy too and I'm (assuming) I'll have this baby early as well. My epidural only took on my right side and below my hips, so I didn't feel the ring of fire, but I felt half the contractions as I got closer to delivery and I'm so glad I got it when I did. I had to push a button for extra anesthetic so I could sleep before it was time to push, I was moaning in pain!

I got it a 6cm but unfortunately it didn’t work for me, only my right leg was numb but it did help with my contractions a bit but unfortunately I felt everything even the stitches, but they did tell me it wouldn’t work 100% since I was further dilated.

I got mine at 6 as well and thought I'd get to nap but still couldn't because it was a little annoying. My water didn't break till they manually broke it at 8 so she was coming down with her amniotic fluid and everything. I was also going to see if they provide a walking epidural this time around so I could labor on all fours. But let's see! 🤞🏽

I got pitocin after my water broke, so nice that kicked in I felt with my contractions for a while before finally getting my epidural at 6cm. It luckily worked the whole time!🙏

Got mine at 7.5-8ish (two midwives checked me and said I was in between lol) and it allowed me to take a nap but it did slow down my progress it seems as it took several hours from this point to get to the pushing phase. Still glad I got it overall! :)

You can get it any time you want! It's your choice and that should be respected. If you're too far through it might not work in time but that doesn't mean you should be denied proper pain relief if you want it! Does my head in when women are in agony and denied pain relief because they're 9cm or fully dilated. It could still be hours from that point! Rant over. 2nd babies usually do come faster than 1st ones but not always. If you want it, ask for it. If they say no, ask why and demand it. If they can see the top of baby's head, fair enough.

I had my epidural + a spinal block 3 mins before she was born in an attempt to stop me pushing, clearly didnt work 🤣 you can have it whenever you want they only usually advise 4-5cm as it can take awhile for an anaesthetist to get round to you so the further dilated the higher chance of a delay or emergency meaning they dont get round to you in time. No worries tho as theres other pain relief options you can consider as a back up to be requested to help you in the interim

I had mine at 4cm I was just in too much pain to carry on without something I'd already tried gas and air and pethadine but nothing was working as turns out something was going very wrong with my cervix and causing the worst pain I could imagine (I've got endometriosis and broken my both my knees and this was by far worse) so I asked for it and felt so much relief. I was told I could have It any time up to 8cm but after that it would be too late so I'd definitely ask for constant checks to make sure you don't suddenly go too far to have It

I was 41+4 and induced. Got the balloon, dilated to 3cm. 9am waters broke and than started me on the drip to increase contractions. Was 8cm when I got the epidural. By 2:30pm I was starting to push and 3:10pm my little girl was here

I got mine after almost 24 hours of contractions. Cook balloon first then cytotec then Pitocin then they broke my water. I was about 4-5cm dilated when I got the epidural and after that I progressed very fast! I basically went from 5cm to 10 within 2 hours. So it’s hard to tell but I feel like at 8cm it may be too risky.

Most hospitals will not do it after 8cm. So holding off till 8 would be risky because you have to factor in the anesthesiologist might not be available for an hour or so. I got both mine around 5-6

Oh yeah the babies come so fast, like I wouldn’t worry about it. I woke up and in an hour of contractions at home I knew I was ready to go to the birth center and when I arrived I was 9.5 cm, it happens really fast the second time. Most moms I’ve spoken with the labor is so much faster the second time!

I got mine at 5cm with my first I got induced with both my kids my second one waited till 7 cm the anesthesiologist was second away from putting the needle in my back when her head came out the second usually comes out quicker. I would suggest maybe getting it between four and 5 cm if this is your second child.

I got mine at 6/7cm. I believe the max is 8/9cm, but some hospitals may be different xx

At 41w I was induced, after a foley, & pitocin got me to 5cm I think, I tried so hard to hold out, but man it was a lot. Ended up waking up around 1am at 7cm & needed a second epidural, fell asleep & woke up at 3am to the nurse telling me she saw his head, gave 3 pushes & he was out!

I tapped out at 3cm at 7am- gave birth at 3:30pm and the epidural lasted until 4pm, so just in time. But that was my first.

I was induced and I was at 3cm before I got the epidural. Pitocin contractions were bad! Afterwards I felt amazing!