An epidural is a procedure that involves the injection of an anesthetic just outside the fluid-filled space that surrounds the spinal cord, as explained by the National Institutes of Health. This is called the epidural space. Once the injection has been made, a small catheter is left in place to allow more or less medication to be administered throughout the procedure. This type of anesthesia is most often used for labor pain to block the sensations felt below the waist. Side effects following the epidural are generally mild but can vary from person to person.
Blood Pressure Decline
Following the placement of the epidural it is possible for the patient to experience hypotension, or a sudden drop in blood pressure. During labor this is an especially concerning side effect. The American Pregnancy Association explains that when the blood pressure of the mother drops, the baby may not receive adequate blood flow, and could become deprived of oxygen. If the blood pressure does not regulate quickly, a cesarean section may be ordered to surgically deliver the baby.
Injection Related Side Effects
It is not uncommon to have some bruising or tenderness at the site of the injection. In some cases, women may have to have the procedure redone if the location of the initial injection is incorrect. Multiple punctures can increase the chances of swelling or other pain at the site. Infrequently, women may experience a backache for weeks or even years following the use of this procedure.
A spinal headache occurs when the spinal fluid leaks due to the puncture that is required to inject the anesthetic. The pain from this type of headache is severe and is often remedied by an injection of blood from the patient into the epidural space. The American Pregnancy Association points out that fewer than 1 percent of women experience this side effect of the epidural.
Shivering
A combination of adrenal from labor and the epidural can cause moderate to severe shivering. Childbirth.org points out that this is one of the more common side effects of an epidural. A woman may feel as if she really is cold, but this is just a neurological response from the numbing from the drug. Warm blankets are often placed over the patient to help increase comfort,but the shivering tends to stop after a few hours. When necessary, a medication can be given to counteract the shivering.
Itching
As early as the start of the epidural a patient may begin to feel an itching sensation all over the body or in certain spots. It can be quite intense at times but will disappear shortly after the epidural has been discontinued.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of an epidural, according to Childbirth.org. This can set in rapidly and last the duration of the epidural or it may occur infrequently at the peak of the administration.
