Anaesthetics appointment

Hello just looking for some advice/reassurance really!! I’ve had my anaesthetics appointment today and I feel so deflated coming out of it. I have this appointment due to a raised bmi but aside from my bmi I have had a perfectly healthy textbook pregnancy so thought this appointment would be very relaxed. Instead it felt like she’s just spent the whole hour listing possible ways me or my baby will die if I don’t get an epidural very early on 🥲 The conversation didn’t feel very balanced at all, i did say an epidural isn’t currently in my birth plan but if it came to it I would get one if I’m struggling, it is my first baby so very aware it’s a new experience and I’m not sure how I will cope! I just want a birth as natural as possible in an ideal world but I understand this isn’t always the case. From my research I’ve read that having an early epidural can result in more interventions, I said this to the anaesthetist but she just replied “yes that can be the case but at least you’re numbed when the interventions happen” this seems really counterintuitive to me because maybe I wouldn’t have needed the interventions if I didn’t get the epidural so early? Just feeling very overwhelmed, I was feeling great about birth up until now. She’s just made me feel that if I opt against her advice then I’m deliberately putting myself and baby at risk. Just frustrated as she wouldn’t show me any evidence or give me any idea how much more at risk I am despite me asking throughout the appointment, but she could tell me all the stats for complications post epidural (nerve damage etc) to push that it is a very low risk procedure, which I know already! It’s difficult to know what to do!! Just wondered what other people’s experiences were really!

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Why are they so insistent on you having an epidural? I've never heard of that before.

@Loren they say because it may take longer to place with me having a higher bmi, which may cause problems in the case of an emergency happening where I need to go into theatre etc.

I would ask for a second opinion, you’re completely entitled to! It sounds like whatever their reasoning or logic is, it hasn’t been explained well at all, which is a very unfair situation to put you in! X

I had a similar experience with my first. A raised BMI can increase risk of complication so as a precaution many prefer to give an early epidural as it is more convenient for them to place before contractions become too frequent. That being said, the doctors I spoke to did reassure me that it was my choice, and I could still request one later in labour if I needed. Following the appointment, I did my own research and whilst I can't remember the exact stats, for an otherwise healthy pregnancy the risks were still low even with a raised BMI. In the end I had a completely unmedicated birth with no complications or interventions. For extra reassurance, there was no pressure on the day for any kind of pain relief. I would say do your own research and do what feels best for you, go in with an open mind and see how you feel, but don't feel pressured if it isn't something you want or need. If you have concerns speak to your midwife or consultant and they may be able to provide some more balanced advice.

@Laura thank you so much for this it is very reassuring! I think I may speak with my midwife as she has always been very supportive with my preferences and see if she can provide some more balanced advice like you said :) will definitely do some more research and keep an open mind thank you <3

Feeling pressured like this sounds horrible. I am so sorry you have to worry about this now. I hope you feel more hopeful and safe to make your choice after you talk to your midwife. 🤞 I have a little different perspective on this. I do not have a medical degree and I am doing my best to trust my doctors. I ask questions and try to get full answers, but I am also fully aware that some things can be so obviously the right way to go, that it’s hard to find the patience to explain it to somebody doubting what you are advising. In addition to that, I have done my personal research with anecdotal evidence from women around me, and medical papers/publications and I have no doubt I am taking the epidural. This advancement in medicine is of the few that actually make sure women are in less pain, babies get better environment to move out of us, & the mother get quicker and more painless care if any additional intervention is needed. I have no doubt you’ll make the right choice for yourself.

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