at what level do they put in the epidural when in labor?

Are you talking level of the spine, as in between which vertebrae? Usually it is placed in the vicinity of L2 to L5. Most common is probably between L3 and L4. Not sure if that's what you meant, but I tried, your question was vague.

If you think you're really going to want one, let them know that when you arrive so you can have one. The doctor who performs it will need to be called and that takes some time and your back will need to be prepared so let the nurses know that's in your birthing plan. It's given usually after 3cm, but before 7cm dilated. If you wait too long to ask for it it could be too late because you've progressed too far.

This happened to me and it was the best thing that ever happened - I recovered so quickly and felt great after the delivery. Plus I pushed far less than when I had one with my first baby. With baby number three I just planned not to have it. I was most afraid of pushing that baby out and the pain involved in that. What I felt was NOTHING but some pressure. It's amazing how well our bodies protect us from that pain. The pressure in that area naturally numbed everything so it wasn't at all painful to push the baby out.

Congrats and good luck in the delivery room!

They should give it to you when you ask for it. Although some doctors have a rule that will only give it once you are past 4 or 5 cm.

They won't give it to you if you're like 9cm because at that point it's too late.

Discuss this with your doctor to make sure you both are on the same page.

They will do the epidural when you ask for it, though, you really want to wait until you are 4 cm dilated and having regular contractions.

What "level?" Do you mean stage maybe?

It's done when you ask as long as you've reached at least 3 cm or maybe it's 2. I was around a 3 when I got mine.

when you can no longer handle the pain but you have to be over about 4 cm dilated

It's usually best to start it between 4-7 cm. (Much earlier and it can slow labor -- much later and you're almost done.)

But really, you ask for it when YOU feel you need it.

From personal experience, well after you think you need it. Skip it. It's dangerous, can have long term side effects and significantly takes away from the birth experience.

When you tell them you're ready for it...(as long as it's not too late)... and as soon as the anesthesiologist can get there to give it to you.

What do you mean by level?