How bad does an epidural hurt?

Answers:
it will feel like a pin poke compared to the contractions you will be having. and at the time you won't even care if it stings a little if it is going to make the pain go away.

i had mine at about 7 cm dialated and honestly i didn't feel a thing!!!i was too mad at the person doing it, he kept telling me to HOLD VERY STILL, i wanted to punch him in the face, obviously he'd never had the pleasure of having a contraction- wanting to scream and someone yelling at you to hold still.
anyhoo- its funny you're asking if the epidural hurts,and not the birth itself, really- don't worry about it!!good luck to you

Other Answers:
It doesnt really hurt. It's just like when the dentist have to give you something for the pain. Only an epidural is injected on the spine. If i would to really compare, I think the contractions in your body would have been more painful than the epidural.

Doesn't hurt but can give you a headache after it wears off. It is great as you will be very comfortable once you have had it.

I'd rather give birth naturally or with some other form of medication before I would have an epidural.

Real bad. As bad as not having one.

I have to agree . . . you won't really notice the pain from the epidural. All I remember is the stupid doctor telling me to hold still, then talking to the nurse about golf, and she got mad at me when I winced as a contraction started . . . if they were paying attention to me they would have noticed the whole contraction thing, but golf was VERY important! Don't recall feeling the needle stick at all. Getting the epidural was a bit uncomfortable (had to sit very still), but afterwards I didn't feel much discomfort. Don't know if I'll do it again, however. I felt rather helpless . . . like I wasn't a part of giving birth.

it dooesnt really hurt at all its like a pinch i really didnt feel mine at all i was in so much pain from my contractions that the epidural was nothing and one minute after it was over you have the greatest feeling of relaxation you will ever have the only downer is the back pain after you get out of the hospital i would have a heating pad handy for that

They are not bad at all.Trust me honey when labor begins the only thing on your mind besides the pain is how to get rid of it.Trust me a epidural will be the answer to your prayers.[This is coming from a woman who happens to be using her boyfriends computer}
Source(s):
My own personal expereince{i am exspecting another baby]

my first 2 didnt hurt but my 3rd felt awkward because they couldnt get it in right. my friend said hers didnt hurt at all and she has scoliosis

The only reason it should hurt was if you have an allergic reaction to the medicine or the person preforming it was an idiot and screwed up. But, that (virtually) never happens. So have no fear. And have numb legs for your baby. :)

Not as much as natural birth would!! But, just educate yourself on the risks... I have had two, one with each of my children, and I now have a weird bruising/scar from them both, and sometimes if I move the wrong way I feel a weird hot tingling sensation go down my spine. I always have weird reactions to medication. Aside from that I would do it again. I would talk with you O.B. and she could answer a ton of questions for you!!

pretty damn bad.. but not as much as labor pains or pushin out that little one...you will have back problems for the rest of your life though where they inserted the needle. I do and i know soo many other moms that do too. But it is DEFINANTLY worth it.

More Questions & Answers...

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.

How bad does an epidural hurt?

Pregnancy & Parenting