Becoming a mother is the most precious feeling in the world. The arrival of your bundle of joy marks the culmination of the incredible bond you have developed with your unborn child over the last nine months. However, the process of giving birth can be distressing. Many first-time moms are afraid of natural delivery.
In the past, an elective C-section was the only alternative available. However, modern medicine has brought about revolutionary advancements that can help alleviate the pain during childbirth to an acceptable level. Painless delivery, also known as ‘Epidural analgesia’, is an option for normal delivery.
What is Painless Delivery?
Painless delivery can be achieved using a form of regional anesthesia that provides pain relief during natural labor. Epidural anesthesia is administered through an injection in the lower back of the mother. The drug takes about 10-15 minutes to react. This is a good option for women with a lower pain-bearing capacity, who would otherwise opt for a C-section. Epidural is the gold standard and gives at least 90% pain relief.
How Is the Epidural Anaesthesia Administered?
The epidural procedure involves administering a local anesthetic drug to numb the skin, followed by inserting a thin catheter into the epidural space in the lower spine. A predetermined dose of anesthetic drug mixture is then given through the catheter, providing pain relief during labor and delivery. The procedure causes minimal discomfort, and the anesthetic does not affect contractions or the delivery process. If necessary, the pain relief can be maintained for up to four days using a pump and filter for postoperative pain relief.
IMPORTANT NOTE:- Based on your health condition, your anesthesiologist will choose the safe painless delivery option for you. Discuss with them in advance.
Advantages of Epidural Analgesia:
There are quite a few advantages of administering Epidural Analgesia. A few are listed below:
- Effective in reducing pain during labor
- Dosage can be topped if necessary
- Can be converted into anesthesia in case of surgery
- Controls blood pressure
- Good postoperative pain relief
- Control of labor
Who Cannot Get An Epidural?
There are certain situations where women are advised not to have an epidural. An epidural must be avoided if the mother-to-be:
- Is allergic to certain local anesthetics
- Has a neurological disease
- Has a bleeding tendency
- Regularly takes aspirin
- Has an infection in the lower back area
- Has had a previous back surgery
- Has a psychological disorder or fear of needles
- Is morbidly obese
- Is unable to cooperate or position herself to allow an epidural
- Is too early in labor
- Has an abnormal labor or fetal monitoring pattern
What are the Risks or Side Effects of Epidural
Although epidural is very safe for both mother and baby, some side effects can be seen such as fever, breathing problems, nausea, dizziness, back pain, and shivering.
1. The new mother may experience severe migraine-like headaches due to some epidural leakage into the spine.
2. The labor may take longer than otherwise when an epidural is used.
3. The mother may have trouble passing urine after childbirth. In that case, a catheter may be used.
4. It causes numbness in the entire lower body, and it may be a while before you can walk.
Frequently asked questions about Epidural
1. Does Epidural harm the baby?
No, since the amount of the Epidural is very little it does not affect the baby.
2. Does Epidural affect breastfeeding or lactation?
No, it does not have any effects on lactation
3. Does Epidural slow down the progression of labor?
Yes, it may extend the labor process by around 1 hour, but it provides the benefit of pain-free labor.
4. Is there an Increase in the frequency of C-sections with Epidural?
There is no evidence yet to suggest a direct relationship.
5. Is there an Increase in the incidence of forceps and vacuum extraction delivery?
Yes, there may be an increase of up to 5 to 10% if dose titration cannot be achieved by the time of delivery.
6. Does Epidural causes long-term back pain?
No, the most probable reason for post-delivery back pain is the laxity of pelvic bone joints caused by pregnancy hormones. Specific post-delivery exercises to regain strength in these joints may decrease its incidence.
