Tag: epidural for labor

Epidural During Labor: Types, Procedure and More

Posted on April 17, 2024   by   - Blog

Epidural procedure

Welcoming a new life into the world is a profound experience, but the journey through childbirth can be intense. Many expectant mothers explore pain management options, and one widely discussed choice is the epidural. Here, we will dive into the world of epidurals, addressing everything from how they work to potential benefits and risks.

What is an Epidural?

An epidural is a medical procedure that involves injecting anesthetic medication into the epidural space of the spine. This effectively blocks pain signals, providing relief from labor pain without complete loss of sensation.

How Does an Epidural Work?

The anesthetic medication, often a combination of local anesthetics and opioids, numbs the nerves in the lower part of the body. This helps alleviate pain during contractions and allows the mother to remain conscious and alert during childbirth.

Types of Epidurals:

  • Traditional Epidural: The classic option, providing complete pain relief in your lower half. You might still feel pressure, but the intense pain fades away.
  • Combined Spinal-Epidural (CSE): A single injection numbs the area for a quicker onset, followed by a catheter for continuous pain relief.
  • Walking Epidural: A lower dosage allows some leg movement while minimizing pain. This lower-dose version allows some leg function while minimizing pain. You might be able to shift positions more freely.

When is an Epidural Administered?

Epidurals are commonly administered during the active phase of labor when contractions become intense. They can also be used for cesarean sections or assisted deliveries using forceps or vacuum extraction.

Timing in Labor: The timing of epidural administration can impact labor progression. Early administration may slow down labor, while waiting too long might limit its effectiveness.

Benefits of Epidural Analgesia

  • Pain Relief During Labor – Epidurals are highly effective in providing pain relief, allowing the mother to rest and conserve energy during a long labor.
  • Potential Positive Impact on Delivery Experience – By reducing pain, epidurals can contribute to a more positive and less stressful childbirth experience for some women.

Cons or side effects

  • Possible Side Effects – Common side effects include a drop in blood pressure, itching, and a delay in pushing. In rare cases, it can cause side effects like headaches or temporary leg weakness.
  • Impact on Labor Progression – Some studies suggest that epidurals may prolong the second stage of labor, but the evidence is not conclusive.

The Epidural Procedure: What to Expect

  • Administration Process – An anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist will administer the epidural. The procedure involves cleaning the back, numbing the skin with a local anesthetic, and carefully placing a thin tube (catheter) into the epidural space.
  • Monitoring and Adjustments – Continuous monitoring is crucial to ensure proper pain relief. Adjustments can be made to the medication dosage as needed.

Who Chooses Epidurals?

Here are some factors to consider:

  • Pain Tolerance: If your threshold is low, an epidural can offer comfort and peace of mind.
  • Length of Labor: Long labors can benefit from pain relief to maintain energy and focus.
  • Medical Considerations: Certain medical conditions may necessitate using an epidural.

Alternatives to Epidurals

  • Natural Pain Management Techniques – Explore non-pharmacological methods such as breathing techniques, massage, and hydrotherapy.
  • Other Medical Options – Discuss alternative medical pain relief options like nitrous oxide or systemic opioids.

Points to discuss before opting for epidural

  • Research your non-epidural pain management options too.
  • Discuss your birth plan and all questions with your doctor.
  • Research different pain management options beyond epidurals.
  • Ask your doctor about potential risks and benefits specific to your case.
  • Discuss your birth plan with your partner and support team.

Conclusion:

As you prepare for the birth of your child, understanding your pain relief options is crucial. This blog aims to equip you with insights into epidurals, allowing you to make informed decisions aligned with your birth plan. Remember, every pregnancy is unique, and discussing your preferences with your healthcare provider is key to a safe and satisfying childbirth experience.

Pain relief options during labor and delivery

Posted on December 10, 2020   by   - Blog

pain relief options during childbirth

Childbirth is usually quite painful. When your due date is nearing it is wise to be informed about the various pain relief options available. It is not necessary that you have to choose one of them if you plan to go through the process without any medications, as it is solely your decision. But during labor, if you feel that the pain has become overwhelming, and need some medication to help reduce the intensity of the pain you may ask your doctor or nurse for the option that you feel may be suitable for you.

There are a range of options available that provide relief to different extents.

Medical options for pain relief during labor or childbirth:

Nitrous Oxide

Also known as the laughing gas, is inhaled via the face mask. One will have to inhale the gas as the contractions begin. It does not provide full relief from the pain but can help reduce the intensity of the pain the woman goes through for each contraction.

The best thing about this is that the woman who is going through the labour process can use and control it. When the contraction begins you need to take a deep breath and will take around 20 seconds to experience its effect.

It does not have any side effects on the baby but some may experience nausea. Some do not experience any pain relief when using nitrous oxide.

Pethidine

It is a pain reliever. It is injected into the body via a vein or into a muscle like the thigh or buttock. The effect may last for 2 to 4 hours. But in some cases, there may be a lack of relief. Some may experience nausea. If the pethidine injection was taken close to the delivery time the drug may have an effect on the baby. In such cases, they will give another injection which will reverse the effect. It may also affect the suckling for the first feed for baby.

Epidural

It is the most effective of all options used. The anesthesia is injected into the spine. It is used for both vaginal and c sec. It may take around 15 minutes to feel its effect. Once it comes into effect you will experience your whole lower body feel numb. Your baby will in no way be affected by the use of epidural. The only issue seen in some women is that they may have trouble pushing the baby for vaginal delivery.

Using epidural may affect your blood pressure and it needs to be constantly monitored along with the baby’s heart beat too. A urinary catheter will be inserted as you may not be able to tell when you need to urinate.

Due to the absence of pain, you may not be able to push effectively, due to which the baby may have to be delivered with the help of vacuum or forceps. Some may experience itchiness from the use of epidural.

Another option is a combined spinal epidural where you continue to feel your lower body and can move them a bit. But if you still feel the labor pain and it becomes unbearable more of it will be injected via the catheter.

 

Non-medical options:

  • Breathing techniques.
  • Hot or cold packs, massage or warm shower.
  • Listening to music for a calming effect or distraction.
  • Immersing your body in water.
  • TENS -Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation – A device used to stimulate the nerves in the lower back. It can be controlled by our hands. There are no side effects to the mother or baby.

All these options may not give complete pain relief during labor but can help to lower the intensity of the pain. Some of these do have side effects like nausea, dizziness, not being able to move due to numbness, etc.

Labor pain varies for every person and is highly unpredictable. You may have planned to go through it without any medication but if at any point you feel you are not able to handle it or need any form of support or help there is nothing wrong in asking for it.  It is always best to know about the options available, the pros and cons of each and then proceed with the delivery so you will be prepared.