Birth Guide: Epidural Anaesthesia for Pregnant Women
At the culmination of approximately 40 weeks of pregnancy, a woman will begin to experience labor. Labor signifies the impending delivery of the baby. To help alleviate the discomfort of childbirth, many women will elect to have a procedure called an epidural to numb the lower body.
- Reduces or eliminates labor pain by blocking pain transmitting nerves.
- Once admitted, have a working IV, and confirmed in labor an anesthesiologist may talk with you about an epidural.
- Epidurals do not prolong labor or increase risk of C-Section or forceps delivery.
- It is best to wait until you are dilated 3-4cm before requesting an epidural.
- The entire process of receiving an epidural may take up to an hour before you feel relief.
- Once the intial preparations are complete the anesthesiologist will cosult with you.
Risk involved with an epidural:
- Bleeding/Infection
- Infection is greatly minimized with disinfectant.
- Spinal headache.
- Nerve damage.
- The medication does not effect the baby.
- Your blood pressure can drop with the placement of the epidural.
- Your blood pressure will be closely monitored.
- Medications will be given if it drops out of normal range.
Proper positioning is one of the most important parts to getting an epidural quickly and efficiently. If you have any Ringing in your ears, Heart racing, Legs getting numb, or Tingling around your mouth inform the nurse or anesthesiologist.
An additional dose of medication is given to get you comfortable. 5-10 minutes after this dose you will feel your legs getting warm. 15-20 minutes later you will feel your contractions shortening.
The catheter will be attached to a pump that will administer medication throughout your labor and delivery. In care cases where the epidural continues to not work well it will need to be replaced. Proper positioning in bed is critical to allow the medication to work effectively. You will need to remain in bed and eat only ice or popcicles once the epidural is in place.
