Epidural Block Procedure & Side Effects.

Giving birth is a bitter-sweet experience that most women can identify with.  Arguably there is nothing more rewarding that holding your newborn baby for the very first time.  The flip side to this however is the pain experienced during the later stages of Labor.

The pain of Labor varies vastly from women to women.  Some seemingly breeze through Labor, a couple of quick pushes and hello baby, but for most Labor will be a long process.

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The good news is that nowadays pain relief during childbirth is readily available and an option every woman should consider.  Before you get too carried away it’s important to realize that most medical practitioners agree the less drugs administered during your pregnancy and childbirth The better. 

That said, it’s widely agreed that the risks of anaesthesia and such medications used during child birth to both mother and baby are very low.

Of course there’s no substitute for proper breathing and with the onset of Labor the Lamaze breathing technique and others will greatly help relieve the pain of childbirth.  It may be hard to focus with so much going on, so participating in antenatal or a Lamaze class would be highly recommended.

Epidural procedures are now commonly administered during childbirth, so if you’re not keen about giving birth naturally then this is certainly a viable option to consider. 

Here’s what you need to know:

When Can I Have An Epidural:

It's possible to be given an Epidural (Epidural Block) at any stage throughout your labor.  However, it's much more likely to be administered when your cervix is dilated between five to six centimeters and when your contractions grow in strength.  If you are as far gone as eight to nine centimeters then it's unlikely to be offered as your baby is already well on it's way.

Epidural Block Procdeure:

The anaesthetist will first examine your back, and will likely give you a small injection to numb the surrounding area.  Women have reported this to feeling a bit like an insect sting; nothing to worry about.  Then after a few minutes the epidural needle is inserted at the foot of the spine.  All that is felt is slight pressure as the needle goes into your back and a catheter inserted.  It’s important that you lie absolutely still during the epidural procedure.  Pain relief then shortly follows as your lower back and pelvic area are numbed of pain.  A common problem however that some women report is that the epidural block works so well that the feeling of knowing when to ‘push’ can be difficult, and a lot of the sensation of childbirth maybe lost.  Also worth mentioning is that with epidural spinal injections Labor may actually be prolonged.

Advantages To Having An Epidural Block:

• Over ninety percent of women will not feel any pain during childbirth.

• You can fully concentrate on breathing and delivering your baby.

• An Epidural can help to minimise high blood pressure during labor.

Epidural Side Effects:

• You may not be able to feel when to 'push'.

• You may feel cold.

• You will likely be unable to move from your bed.

• It's likely that childbirth will be prolonged.

• There's a higher change the baby will need forceps to be delivered.

• Temporary Epidural back pain after childbirth.

Conclusion:

It’s therefore important to explore all your options in advance of giving birth.  Have a plan of exactly how you want to give birth, and make sure the hospital are fully aware of how you would like your baby to be delivered.  Doing so will free your mind enabling you to fully concentrate on giving birth.