Epidurals and lower back tattoos?

[biscotto]

Does anyone here have a tattoo on their lower back and had an epidural? I've had people tell me that it's going to cause a problem for an epidural.

[clarue12]

Depending on how high the tattoo goes. I have a lower back one, but my epi was inserted mid back.

[Deleted]

I don't, but my SIL does and got an epi with no issues.

[MauiBliss]

...Why would it cause an issue? I don't have a lower back tatt but have a lot of ink elsewhere.....

[meladorie]

I also can't see why it would be an issue..

[snarkysparklefart]

It wasn't an issue, or even mentioned, when my spinal was placed for my csection. Mine is a kind of large back piece, from about 2" above my butt, and it's nearly a foot tall.

[ac123185]

From what I understand old wives tales, shouldn't interfere with your ability to get an epidural

[biscotto]

My midwife friend here mentioned that maybe I can't have one. It's freaked me out a little.

[MauiBliss]

Jan 30, 2015 11:28:00 GMT -5 biscotto said:

My midwife friend here mentioned that maybe I can't have one. It's freaked me out a little.

.....I might be looking for a new midwife.

[snarkysparklefart]

I was trying to find something from the ACOG about this, but this was what I found so far- may help some www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/labor-and-delivery/expert-answers/lower-back-tattoo/faq-20057949

[kelane104]

I also have a lower back tattoo. I got it when I was 18 and I was still in high school and I remember a friend telling me that you couldn't get an epidural if you had one, but I didn't really take it that seriously. Since I'm a FTM I don't know how it will affect my being able to get an epidural since I've never had one before, and I haven't thought to ask my doctor because I really just didn't give it much weight since I had only heard it from one girl in high school. Now I'm thinking I will ask...

[biscotto]

Jan 30, 2015 11:46:24 GMT -5 MauiBliss said:

Jan 30, 2015 11:28:00 GMT -5 biscotto said:

My midwife friend here mentioned that maybe I can't have one. It's freaked me out a little.

.....I might be looking for a new midwife.

shes not my midwife, just a friend of mine .

[071115]

I have a big tattoo on my lower back, and I got an epidural with both my babies.

[MauiBliss]

Jan 30, 2015 12:06:23 GMT -5 biscotto said:

Jan 30, 2015 11:46:24 GMT -5 MauiBliss said:

.....I might be looking for a new midwife.

shes not my midwife, just a friend of mine .

Reading comprehension: I don't haz it. 

[luckystarz]

Never heard of this, I so believe it's hog wash though.

[lab]

I'm not an anesthesiologist, but I'm pretty sure that the anatomic landmarks they use for inserting an epidural are based more on touch than by sight--does that make sense??
I really don't think a tattoo would be a problem at all as it doesn't interfere with the physician's ability to feel along your spine. Of course, if you're still concerned, I would definitely ask your doc/midwife at your next appointment.
I can't think of any other reason why a tattoo would be an issue.

[malvo]

I have a tramp stamp (and I'm darn proud of it - LOL). No one has said anything to me about it being an issue. I didn't even think about it until this post.

[atangiblewish]

I have a lower back tattoo and there were no issues. I was having such hard contractions I don't remember where exactly it went in.

[missycee]

I have a decent sized tat on my lower back and had no issues getting an epi.

[djoliet]

I have one too and I'm not even worried about not being able to get an epidural because of it. I'm more worried about getting an anesthesiologist as good as the last one I had that can can place an epidural as well and as quickly only my crooked spine from my scoliosis

[lisap0924]

I have a lower back tattoo and I have never heard of this....

[mel7806]

Jan 30, 2015 13:34:00 GMT -5 djoliet said:

I have one too and I'm not even worried about not being able to get an epidural because of it. I'm more worried about getting an anesthesiologist as good as the last one I had that can can place an epidural as well and as quickly only my crooked spine from my scoliosis

This exact thing! I've got the ubiquitous tramp stamp and there was never a problem with my epi, mostly because they go pretty much under your bra strap. 

I also am more worried about placement with the crooked spine. Last time it was easy peasy, they just had me lean forward over a pillow.

[djoliet]

My curve is still pretty bad (I wore a back brace for a good 6 years) and my anesthesiologist had to do an ultrasound of my spine to make sure she was placing it right but she was awesome, she placed it fast and it took right away. Hoping I get that lucky this time around

[saltyfins]

I heard it's a myth that you can't get it because of a tattoo.

[MauiBliss]

I'm still confused what the myth is based on? The ink somehow creating a magical barrier preventing a needle from getting through?

[dm718]

I heard this a few years ago - I think when these tattoos were gaining in popularity, some anesthesiologists were nervous about inserting the catheter through the ink. Since I haven't heard anything about this in quite some time, I'd assume that they now have enough evidence and/or practice to know how to mitigate any risk there is, if there actually is one.

[Deleted]

Mine was not an issue at all.

[pele]

I have a back piece that flanks the spine, and when I got a steroid injection, the doctor was very pleased, and mentioned how much easier his job is if there's no tattoo covering the insertion spot. I can see it making his job a tad harder.

[biscotto]

I'm going to be a little pissed if appearently all the doctors in the US are OK with epidurals and tattoos but here it's not OK.