Epidural - is it right for me?
What is an epidural?
An epidural (or PDA in German) is an injection in your back to stop you feeling pain in part of your body. It's used in childbirth and stops you feeling pain in your abdomen, chest and legs. It is made up of local anaesthetics, small doses of opioids or a mixture of both.
How do they insert an epidural?
A needle is used to insert a fine plastic tube called an epidural catheter into your spine near the nerves that carry pain messages to your brain.
The needle is then removed, leaving just the catheter in your spine.
After the medicine is introduced through the catheter, it needs about 20 to 30 mins to take full effect.
The Pros
An epidural is highly efficiant at reducing pain and discomfort.
Mobile epidurals, which use a lower dose of pain relief medicines, are sometimes used in childbirth, allowing you to walk around during labour.
While the catheter remains in your back, it can be used to top up your pain relief medicines.
The mothers lower body is already numb which enables doctors to perform an emergency C-section immediately if needed.
Epidurals have little or no effect on the baby as measured by their health scores (Apgar scores or admission to neonatal intensive care).
The Cons
Loss of bladder control means a catheter may be inserted into your bladder.
If you receive a higher dose epidural, you will be confined to the bed as your legs will be numb.
A bad headache that lasts for days or weeks if not treated (1 in 100 women).
Can cause low blood pressure which can make you feel nausseous.
Itchy skin is something that might come up, the medication can be changed if this is uncomfortable.
Temporary nerve damage (1 in 1,000 women)
In rare cases an epidural can lead to permanent loss of feeling or movement in, for example, 1 or both legs (1 in 250,000 women).
An infection can sometimes happen around the skin next to the epidural tube.
Do epidurals affect breastfeeding?
Epidurals are associated with other interventions that may mean you and your baby are separated after birth. As separation can affect breastfeeding, it’s difficult to know whether the epidural or the separation is affecting the breastfeeding relationship. Synthetic oxytocin (highly associated with epidural use) does seem to affect breastfeeding.
How long does an epidural last?
Epidurals have a progressive effect but when it has been in place for a while, it will take three to four hours to wear off.
If I have an epidural, would I need any extra procedures?
You’d have a drip to make sure you have enough fluid, and a monitor to check your baby’s heartbeat. You might also have a urinary catheter as you won’t be able to feel the need to empty your bladder, and you may not feel able to move to the toilet.
Sometimes, extra monitoring for your baby will include a clip attached to their head via your vagina.
Top Tip
Use Hypnobirthing breathing to keep calm during the process of having an Epidural:
Relax your jaw, breathe in through your nose and slowly out through your mouth...
Always remember you have the right to choose - take your time and make an informed decision.
With love & respect,
Laura xx