For me there is a difference in how I would want to be treated with and
without an epidural. Without an epidural, I cannot tolerate being
strapped down, so that means no constant monitoring (and me preferring
an internal monitor to an external monitor so I don't have to stay
still for it to work) and no IV. If I get an epidural, I can't do
anything except lay there, so then I don't really care if I have an IV
or monitors strapped on. Just thought you might want to consider that.

I have ITP, but my platelets have never been an issue to anything
except getting an epidural. Two hospitals I went to would allow an
epidural with a good bleeding time test, but my current hospital has
simply said no epidural if platelets are under 100K, so you should look
into the rules of your hospital. I personally came to the hospital
late in my second labor knowing it would make it impossible for me to
get an epidural, but preferring to labor without harassment in the
earlier parts of labor. With this time an epidural being off the table
for sure, I plan to again arrive in late labor.


Good luck in not getting pre-e this time! Have you shown any symptoms
of it yet?

KC