Childbirth is a life-changing experience. In addition to excitement, it also triggers fear and anxiety in women, especially when the conversation shifts to labor pain. This is where epidural anesthesia – a modern miracle promising a smoother and much less painful delivery – comes into play.
This drug is quickly gaining popularity amongst expecting mothers who want to balance the beauty of childbirth with an urge to make such a special moment a little bit easier to manage. While most women undergo this pain relief procedure with no problems, it is necessary to understand the benefits along with the potential risks.
On that note, Apex Hospital – trusted for the best infertility doctors and surgeons in Sirsa – decided to write a detailed guide explaining everything about epidural anesthesia. Read on!
What is Epidural Anesthesia?
Epidural anesthesia is a kind of regional anesthetic that numbs the lower half of the body, allowing a woman to go through the processes of labor and giving birth with very minimal pain. It involves the insertion of a thin catheter into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord in the lower back. Once in place, medication comprising an anesthetic and a pain reliever is delivered through the catheter to effectively block the conduction of nerve impulses carrying signals from the lower part of the body to the brain.
Unlike general anesthesia, which sends the mother into unconsciousness, epidural anesthesia keeps the mother awake during delivery. It provides pain relief only in a particular area of the body while other parts retain sensation; thus, women can still feel pressure or the urge to push without the sharp pain.
Highlights of Epidural Anesthesia
Epidural anesthesia has become widely popular among couples planning to grow their family because it promises the following advantages:
Effective Pain Relief
Epidurals provide relief from extreme labor pain and help women be more comfortable and focused during the birth process. The numbing effect of the anesthesia can be adjusted at different stages of labor for optimal comfort when it is needed most.
Increased Energy and Comfort
Labor can be an extremely long and exhausting process. The pain relief of the epidural gives women more energy for the last stages of labor. Many mothers mentioned how they felt less physically exhausted during labor and were thereby able to be more mentally and emotionally present during childbirth.
Labor Experience Control
Because an epidural allows a mother to remain awake and aware, she can better participate in her childbirth experience. She may push, communicate with healthcare providers, and bond with her newborn immediately after delivery without the overwhelming distraction of intense pain.
Flexibility
Epidurals can be administered at any time during labor, some early and some later during the active phases of labor, depending on the pain tolerance and preferences of the mother. If it is earlier in labor or closer to the delivery time, the dosage can be adjusted by the anesthesiologist to just the appropriate amount for relief.
Flexibility for Medical Interventions
In cases of complicated labor that require surgical intervention in the form of a cesarean section, the epidural already in place can serve as anesthesia for that surgery. This saves time and negates the need for added medication for surgical intervention.
In short, this pain-free delivery treatment greatly simplifies the exhausting process of giving birth.
Risks of Epidural Anesthesia
While epidural anesthesia is widely considered to be safe and effective, it carries its own share of risks and side effects. That’s why understanding the associated risks is important for expectant mothers. Here are the most documented challenges associated with labor pain relief injections:
Hypertension
The most frequent complication arising from epidural is a sudden fall in blood pressure. This may occur because the anesthesia could affect nerves that regulate blood flow in the body. Healthcare providers counter hypertension by closely monitoring the blood pressure and administering fluids or medication to stabilize the blood pressure.
Backache
Some women experience backache following the epidural. This is usually mild and temporary but can persist for some days following delivery. The backache often relates to the placement of the epidural catheter rather than the anesthesia.
Trouble urinating
The numbness from the epidural can reduce, for a while, the sensation in the bladder and create a problem with urinating. A catheter may be required to help urinate until the effects of the epidural have worn off.
Headache-post-dural puncture headache
This is an uncommon complication of the epidural needle piercing the membrane that surrounds the spinal cord. The outcome can be a headache owing to the leaking spinal fluid. Such kinds of headaches can be severe enough to require treatment, which includes the application of a “blood patch” to seal the puncture.
Inability to Push
While most women will have adequate sensation to push during labor, some women find this more difficult because of the numbing effect of the epidural. This can result in longer labor and may increase the risk for interventions such as forceps or vacuum-assisted delivery.
Nerve Damage
Sometimes, the epidural procedure may cause nerve damage. It results in temporary or permanent partial numbness or even weakness in the lower part of your body. Fortunately, such incidences are extremely uncommon.
Who Should Avoid Epidural Anesthesia?
Epidural anesthesia may not be suitable for all women. Those with certain medical conditions or complications should discuss alternative pain relief options with their healthcare provider. Women who have bleeding disorders, low platelet counts, or infections at the site of the needle insertion may be advised against epidural anesthesia.
Additionally, women who have had previous spinal surgeries or who are allergic to certain anesthetic medications may also need to explore options other than painless delivery injections.
Epidural Anesthesia for Painless Delivery: Endnotes
Epidural anesthesia has become a popular and effective way for women to manage the pain of childbirth. However, choosing whether to have an epidural is a personal decision that should be made in consultation with experienced healthcare providers. Ask plenty of questions to ensure that you’re fully prepared for this unique experience.
If you are struggling with infertility issues, we recommend speaking with one of our doctors to understand the multiple medical options at hand. With infertility treatment options available at Apex Hospital, you can embrace the possibilities and move forward with confidence on your path to parenthood.
Don’t let infertility hold you back – take the first step towards building the family you’ve always dreamed of with Apex Hospital by your side. If you have any inquiries, please call us at 82229-66666 to discuss your concerns with our medical experts.
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