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Yes you have to have a catheder and some doctors wait until you are dialated to 4cm.

Congratulations! I had a light epidural after several days on Pitocin, and they did not need to insert a catheter in me.. the nurse came in every few hours and would insert it, drain my bladder, take it out, and be on her way.. well she only came in that once because the epidural relaxed my body enough to go from 3 to 10 in two hours.. she went to "drain" me and.. um.... there was the head. I think it all depends on where you go, your own personal situation ( I have the worlds largest bladder.. NEVER had the pregnancy-pee-all-the-time issue)

does the epideral hurt? and can you have some kind of drug before reaching 3-4 cm?

and does the catheder hurt? I know that with the epideral i wont be able to feel the insertion, but afterwards?

I never even thought about the catheter after they said I was a 10. She just drained my bladder and we got ready to push. I was VERY sore for 8 weeks, but it was because of the slight front tearing I had, so for me, no, the catheter was never a big deal, although I do remember that being my biggest hangup when considering the epi.. I just got lucky, had a light one, and didn't need a catheter all the time.

It is so quick you won't even notice it. hopefully you will be lucky and not have to get one, like the other lady. There are drugs, but I usually didn't get them. The epidrual was great, and it relaxed me enough to go from 3-10 in 2 hours also. The catheter is such a small part in the whole experience. There is so much going on after birth that you won't even think about it..you will only be able think how great your new baby is.

Thanks again... you really helped me - I am just concerned that when I get to 35 weeks or further I am going to freak out or something... i have difficulty getting through pap smears and this is so much more - did any of you feel really scared approaching delivery?

You might freak out, but all of us do..Even after your third child you freak out. It is natural, but just don't stress to much. This is a new experience for you. Look at all the positive.

I had an epidural with my daughter and that calmed the pain of labor almost completley...I don't remember it hurting to get the epidural, just sitting soooo still on the edge of the bed. Also, I never even knew the put a catheder in..go figure!! This time around, I'm opting for a natural child birth. :o)

My epidural was WONDERFUL!! IMO, the IV for the pitosin and drip hurt worse. Within 5 minutes, I was feeling great--no pain. I did not have to have a catheter with mine, not in the sense of having a urine bag. There was a catheter attached in with the epidural, but I can't remember what they said it was for. I was told I did pee during delivery, but so much comes out during that time it's no biggie. I'm a very modest and shy person, but I didn't care one bit in the midst of it all. I had to wait until I was in active labor to get my epidural, which was at 3cm; unfortunately I dilated slowly and it did wear off a bit, but still well worth not having to endure the contractions.

I had an epidural and they did not give me a catheder. I get a shot of nubain and when that wore off I got the epidural. I was stuck at 6 cm is why they gave me the epidural to relax. I did and 10 minutes later I was at 10 and pushing. Good luck enjoy your pregnancy.

With my epideral I was 5 cm and on pitocin..i was begging for one! My epideral did have a catheder but I didnt know it was there. I had phenogen for pain before 3 to 4 cm but in a way i regret getting it. I dont remember any of my labor and sometimes I would have liked to enjoy the experience. I would have much rather had the epideral and that be it. The epideral was like a bee sting and a little nagging type feeling..like a tugging feeling. Other than that it is nothing compared to labor pains! Good luck and you can do it! I had to keep telling myself I can do it..every other woman has! I wish you the best of luck with your baby! They are definitely a god send!