Epidurals: What To Know
Welcome to part 1 of the Labor Pains Series! In this series, we will be going over pain management options and comfort measures available to you. Each option will be broken down to pros + cons. First up, epidurals. Let's jump in!
What is an epidural exactly?
This is when a catheter is placed in your lower back in an area right beneath where the spinal cord ends. An epidural can cause some loss of feeling and numbness in the lower part of your body, but the person who’s in labor remains fully awake and alert. After they get the plastic tube in your back, they remove the needle so it’s just the thin plastic tube in your epidural space. An epidural takes about 10 minutes to set up and takes about 10 to 15 minutes to start working. It doesn’t always work well at first and sometimes your medications may need to be adjusted so that you get the pain relief during labor you’re looking for.
Epidurals vs. Spinal Blocks
A spinal block is somewhat similar to an epidural. It’s given as an injection in your lower back, but it’s given with a much smaller, thinner needle, and with a much smaller dose of the drugs. The drugs are injected into a sac of spinal fluid that’s right below the spinal cord in your back, and it causes a loss of feeling in your lower body. A spinal block is usually only given once during labor and it provides immediate pain relief instantaneously, but it’s only good for about an hour or two. Stronger drugs with a spinal can also be used to block all feeling during a cesarean.
Pros Of An Epidural
Considered the most effective form of pain relief
Safer for baby vs. IV pain medications
Can help you sleep + rest
If you are high risk, having an epidural in place can be helpful in case of an emergency.
Can lower the maternal stress response and improve blood supply to the baby
Cons + Risks
Studies have found that you're more likely to need forceps or vacuum assistance during the pushing phase
Much, much more likely to have low blood pressure
Possibility of having your legs feel so heavy that you can't move/control the lower part of your body
More likely to need Pitocin
Potential spinal headache
Should You Opt for an Epidural?
It truly is a personal and situational decision! The bottom line is that epidurals, spinals, and combined spinal epidurals during labor are very effective ways to help manage pain. However, they do carry potential risks and side effects for the mother and the baby. I highly recommend doing your own research! Evidence Based Birth has a great article on the topic as does Mama Natural. It's also a great idea to find out the percentage of your OB's patients that choose an epidural.
Thanks for stopping by! Feel free to reach out to me here or on social media if you have any questions. Come back next week for the next part in this series!
