Epidurals are one of the most difficult and painful experiences a mother can go through when she is about to give birth. Some mothers find the pain unbearable. So, one of the most popular and effective ways to manage this severe pain is an epidural. Although many people have heard of it, they don't really understand what it is, is it safe, and when to take it. Today, we'll talk about it clearly and simply.
What exactly is an epidural?
Simply put, an epidural is an anesthetic injection that is given into the area of your back, the space around your spinal cord, near the nerves that carry pain signals. This injection numbs your lower body, providing you with significant relief from the intense pain of childbirth.
Doctors mainly use this method in several situations:
- To relieve pain during childbirth: This is used to control pain during normal childbirth as well as during a cesarean section .
- For surgeries: To numb the area for surgeries performed on the lower body.
- After surgery: To control pain after some surgeries.
- For other pains: In conditions like sciatica, it is also given in combination with steroid medications to reduce pain.
Anesthesiologists use local anesthetics such as bupivacaine or lidocaine. Sometimes, these drugs are combined with a painkiller such as fentanyl to reduce the amount of pain. The pain relief usually begins to be felt within 10 to 20 minutes after the first dose of an epidural is given.
Is this really safe? Will it affect the baby?
Yes, absolutely. An epidural is a very safe procedure . It is a local anesthetic, meaning it only affects the small area where the injection is given. So you usually won't feel sleepy or nauseous.
One of the things that many mothers fear is that it will harm the baby. In fact, some of the painkillers given during labor can cross the placenta and affect the baby. But that doesn't happen with an epidural.
Only a very small amount of the medication used for an epidural passes into your bloodstream and through it to your baby. Therefore, it does not harm the baby. It does not affect the baby's ``Apgar scores`` or increase the likelihood of the baby being admitted to the intensive care unit.
Another thing that some people think is that having an epidural increases the chances of having a cesarean section. This is completely wrong . An epidural only relieves pain. You feel the pressure of the contractions in your uterus. So you can push the baby out when the time comes. Therefore, an epidural does not increase the chances of having to have a `vacuum extraction` or `forceps delivery`.
Does an epidural really work? How long does it last?
Yes, the epidural will numb you from your belly button to your toes. But you will be conscious and aware of your surroundings. Even though the pain is gone, you will be able to push in time because you will feel the baby's pressure.
How long does this last? The simple answer is, as long as you need it . You can get more medication (`top-up doses`) through the thin tube (`catheter`) that is inserted into your spine when you start to feel pain again. The pain relief will last until the tube is removed. You should be able to regain movement and feeling in your legs within an hour or so after the tube is removed.
However, we must remember that not everyone is 100% successful. About one in ten (`10%`) people may not get the pain relief they expect. In such cases, your doctor will suggest another method of pain management.
Are there any side effects? (Side Effects)
An epidural is a powerful tool for pain control. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some minor side effects that can occur. Most of these are temporary.
| Side Effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Low blood pressure | A condition that can happen to many people. You may feel dizzy and nauseous. The medical staff is always attentive to this. |
| Headache | Some people may experience a headache after an epidural. If you inform your doctor about this, they will be able to treat it. |
| Itching | The medication used may cause slight skin irritation. This is also temporary. |
| Difficulty urinating | You may not be able to feel your bladder filling because your lower body is numb. A catheter is usually used for this. |
| Weakness in the legs | You may not be able to walk for a few hours until the effects of the medicine wear off, so don't try to get up. |
| Nerve damage | This is a very rare occurrence. The likelihood of this happening under the supervision of an experienced anesthesiologist is very low. |
So, what is the best time to get an epidural?
This is a question that many people ask. There is really no specific time when you can say, "This is the best time." You can ask for it at any time when you feel like you can't bear the pain anymore. It could be at the beginning, middle, or near the end of labor.
However, the anesthesiologist is concerned about two things here:
1. Are you really in labor?
2. Can you remain still for a few minutes while the vaccine is administered?
Could it be too late?
Think about it, it takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare an epidural. Then it takes another 10-15 minutes to feel the pain relief. So if you ask for an epidural when you are about to deliver your baby, you may already have the baby by the time it is given. Therefore, it is wise to talk to your doctor about it a little earlier, rather than waiting until the pain is unbearable .
Childbirth is a painful experience. But with safe, effective pain management options available, it is now widely accepted that mothers should not have to endure that pain. Even if you were not originally planning to get an epidural, if you feel that the pain is unbearable during labor, you can still ask for one. An epidural can help you stay calm, pain-free, and give you the strength to focus on bringing your baby into the world.
Take-Home Message
- Epidural is a very safe and effective way to control pain during childbirth.
- This is provided by an anesthesiologist.
- This will not harm the baby and will not increase the risk of having to undergo a cesarean section.
- There is no "best time" to get an epidural. It depends on the progress of your labor and your discussion with your doctor.
- When you visit clinics during pregnancy, talk to your doctor about the various methods of pain management available, especially the epidural.
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