Do you feel urge to push with epidural?

Answered by Michael Wilson

The urge to push with an epidural can vary from woman to woman and even from one birth experience to another. It is important to note that not all women experience this urge, and it is not always a reliable indicator of when to start pushing.

For some women, the urge to push with an epidural is overwhelming and feels like a natural reflex that their body is initiating. It can be described as a strong sensation that they have no control over. It is almost as if their body is taking over and guiding them to push. This can be quite intense and can feel like a powerful force that cannot be resisted.

On the other hand, some women may not feel a strong urge to push, but rather a preference to push during the peak of a contraction. This is because pushing during a contraction can provide some relief from the pressure and discomfort caused by the baby descending through the birth canal. It may feel better to actively push and engage the abdominal muscles during this time, as opposed to resisting the urge and trying to relax during contractions.

It is worth mentioning that the intensity of the urge to push can also be influenced by the level of pain relief provided by the epidural. If the epidural is very effective and provides a high level of pain relief, the urge to push may be less pronounced or even absent. This is because the sensation of pressure and the need to push may be dulled by the analgesic effects of the epidural.

It is important for healthcare providers to monitor the progress of labor and guide women on when to start pushing, regardless of whether they feel a strong urge or not. This is because pushing too early or too late can be counterproductive and may prolong the labor process. Healthcare providers will assess the cervix and the baby’s position to determine the optimal time for pushing.

In my personal experience as a healthcare provider, I have encountered women who have felt a strong urge to push with an epidural, while others have not. It is a unique and individual experience that can vary greatly. It is crucial to communicate with the woman during labor, listen to her sensations and preferences, and provide guidance based on the overall progress of labor.

To summarize, the urge to push with an epidural can range from an overwhelming reflex-like sensation to a preference for pushing during the peak of contractions. It is not always present and should not be the sole indicator for when to start pushing. Healthcare providers play a crucial role in assessing the progress of labor and guiding women on the optimal time to push, regardless of the presence or absence of the urge to push.