epidural pros and cons
An epidural is a common practice used during labor and childbirth to help women find relief from the pain and discomfort from contractions. The goal is to numb your body from the upper abdomen to your toes, helping you relax your lower muscles.
In this article, we'll delve deeper into a few epidural pros and cons you should know. We'll also discuss the potential side effects and risks associated with the procedure so you can make an informed decision about whether an epidural vs. natural birth is the right choice for you and your baby.
How the Procedure Work
Epidurals can be administered at any time during labor—as long as the birth is not imminent within the next 30 minutes. You'll sit on the edge of your hospital bed, curl your body over your belly, and stick out your back as much as possible. An certified anesthesiologist will first numb the area with lidocaine, then will insert a needle and a tiny tube, called a catheter, into the lower part of your back.
The needle is removed, and the catheter is left in your back for the medication to be delivered through the tube as needed.
After the epidural is complete, you'll lie flat on your back to ensure the medicine is evenly distributed. It may take 20-30 minutes to take full effect.
Other Considerations
Your nurse will be taking your blood pressure every 5-10 minutes for the first hour and then every 15-30 minutes until your baby is born. The reason for this is an epidural can cause your blood pressure to drop very quickly. If that happens, a medication would need to be administered through an IV.
Once the epidural medication is distributed, you can alternate different positions while laying in bed, which can help with labor progression. At some point, you'll likely need a urinary catheter to keep your bladder empty.
Now that you know the logistics, let’s talk about a few epidural pros and cons!
Pros of Epidurals
It's reported that an average of 60-70% of laboring women get epidurals a year. Some of the advantages of this procedure include:
Labor pain relief: An epidural is the most relieving form of medication that you can receive during labor. However, it's not uncommon to still feel pressure with contractions or for it to be less effective for some women.
Relaxation and sleep: If you've been laboring for a long time, an epidural may provide enough relief to help you sleep and gather energy for the next stage of labor, which is pushing.
Tense muscles: If you're having difficulty releasing your muscles during labor, this can cause slow progression and exhaustion. An epidural helps to relax all those muscles.
Placenta delivery and repairs: The epidural is not turned off until after the delivery of the placenta and if a repair is needed. Therefore, you may not feel any pain or discomfort during the afterbirth.
Cons of Epidurals
It's important to keep in mind that like any medical procedure, there are risks of side effects and complications when it comes to epidural anesthesia.
Let's review a few.
Limited movement: With an epidural, you will be unable to get out of bed and move your body. Some people can still move their legs.
Slowed labor progression: It is common for labor to slow down with lack of movement from the epidural. If this happens pitocin will be administered to get labor contractions in a good, strong pattern.
Headaches: One out of 100 women will experience a spinal headache lasting 2-3 days. The headache is resolved only when lying down flat. The headache is typically caused by the needle going in too deep.
Low Blood Pressure: As previously mentioned, receiving an epidural during labor may lead to a drop in your blood pressure, which can have an impact on your baby's heart rate. To decrease the likelihood of this happening, you'll be given additional fluids through an intravenous (IV) tube and may need to lie on your side.
Blood Clots: Some medical conditions may prevent individuals from receiving an epidural. For instance, if you have blood clotting issues, your doctor may advise against it. Additionally, there is a risk of bleeding if the injection accidentally damages a blood vessel, which can cause a hematoma or blood clot to form.
Temporary Nerve Damage: It is possible for nerve damage to occur as a rare complication of a needle or epidural tube. This can cause a loss of feeling or movement in the lower body. The most common symptom is a small area of numbness, but there is no loss of strength or movement. Generally, this condition improves within a few days or weeks, but in some cases it may take several months to fully recover.
Women may also experience fever and leg heaviness or tingling during labor.
Epidural vs. Natural: Which Is Better?
When it comes to childbirth, the decision between epidural vs natural is a personal one that depends on individual preferences and medical circumstances. Both options come with their own set of benefits and drawbacks, and ultimately, the choice should be made with the guidance of a healthcare provider and based on what feels best for you and your baby.
Epidural pain management during labor is for hospital births only. However, your care can be overseen by an OB or midwife.
Need to Book a Consultation?
Our team at the Twin Cities Birth Center + Women’s Health Clinic is always ready to assist you with your concerns and provide you with the necessary services to help you deliver your baby confidently. We are also here to offer you the ongoing support that you need.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with us, please don't hesitate to get in touch.