Pregnancy & Baby 

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Virtual maternity ward tour

A midwife for 12 years, Pam Wild is currently an independent midwife at The Birth Centre in London. On Monday 21st June, she took part in the iVillage virtual maternity ward tour, answering questions from pregnant mums on the Babies Due July-September 2002 board.

Vicky: I am planning on having an epidural. I really don't want gas and air or pethidine, as everyone I know who has used these has been really sick. How soon after coming into the hospital can I have an epidural? Can I have one straight away or do you have to reach a certain level? Also, I have heard conflicting information regarding how long you can have it topped up - can we have pain relief until baby is delivered or does it have to wear off to get baby out?
Pam: If you are wanting an epidural I suggest you do not have it until your labour is established as if it is sited too early it can slow your labour down, then intervention may start. There are different ways of topping up your epidural by individual topping up or by continuous infusion. Also there is a mobile epidural. With discussion with your midwife who is looking after you can alter the dose of the epidural, etc. But it is entirely up to you. For instrumental deliveries they will always top it up so you are pain-free.

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