Labor is a natural process and dealing with it is one of the major concerns of a pregnant woman. In ancient times women have to go through a lot but in this modern era, pregnant women have a lot of options for pain management. Some go for C-section, some ask for an epidural during labor and rest wants to go with natural delivery
If you are one of those who are considering getting an epidural during labor, this article is for you to read. Epidural anesthesia is one of the most popular medications that provide relief during labor. All it does is blocks the nerve impulses from the low spine, so a person feels numbness in a lower body. Ask its pros and cons beforehand from your anesthesiologist.
Marham has summed up 5 major frequently asked questions about this situation during labor in this post.
Will It Slow Down Labor?
Ok! So the answer is yes. Labor has three stages; First when you are dilating, second when the baby moves down and the third one is the ejection of the placenta. Epidural doesn’t affect the first stage; it will take the same length of time with or without an epidural. However, the second stage can be delayed once you get this. Always ask your gynecologist beforehand regarding its usage.
Do Epidural Result In C-section?
No! Cesarean delivery isn’t dependent on epidural. However, this greatly increases your chance of you going through from an operative delivery; Usage of Forceps or Vacuum. It happens because in some cases after getting an epidural woman is unable to push properly because of difficulty in feeling contractions, hence the need for operative delivery increases.
Must Read: 5 Best Gynecologists in Lahore
How Late Is Too Late For Epidural?
Any point in the first stage of labor is fine to get a this as it takes time to set up and become effective. For an epidural, you need to stay still and in the second stage (When you push), it often becomes hard for a patient to stay still, so if you are struggling with pain from your contractions it’s better to get it sooner than later. For more information, you can consult with the best gynecologist in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad at Marham.
will It Hurt?
Well! Not as much as contractions. You will feel a small injection that will be of local anesthesia, it will make the skin of your lower back numb before the insertion of the actual epidural needle. So you will be fine, however, the process can cause great discomfort.
Also read: Visiting Your Anesthesiologist Can Decrease Your Stress And Anxiety
What Are The Side Effects Of An Epidural?
Although it is a safe option at times women suffer from an extreme episode of headaches following this situation. It can happen if the needle accident has injured the membrane surrounding the spinal cord. It can cause a small amount of spinal fluid to leak out.
Doctors might recommend you to lie down without a pillow for stretched hours and drink as much fluid as possible. If you feel any discomfort and pain persists, you should always consult with your anesthesiologist.
