Epidural anesthesia is a common choice for women in labor. This procedure works by injecting an anesthetic into the epidural space found near the spinal column. The drug is administered via catheter, a small tube, on a continuous basis. Medical professionals can increase or decrease the dose as needed. Women may experience some side effects with the use of an epidural.
Blood Pressure
Women who receive an epidural are monitored for changes in vital signs, including oxygen intake and blood pressure. An epidural can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure. Immediate treatment is given in this case to prevent the baby from becoming deprived of oxygen-rich blood.
Spinal Headache
The American Pregnancy Association suggests that fewer than 1 percent of women will experience a spinal headache with the use of an epidural. This severe type of headache occurs when spinal fluid leaks from the injection.
Neurological Response
Shivering is a neurological response to the drug used in the epidural. Women may feel extremely cold and tremble for several minutes or a few hours following the administration of an epidural. This is a common response to the epidural suggests Childbirth.org.
Injection Site
Women may experience bruising, swelling, tenderness and redness at the site of the injection. This typically proves temporary; however, some women may experience backaches and other pain for much longer.
Other Side Effects
Other common side effects of receiving this form of anesthesia include nausea and vomiting. Other less common side effects include ringing of the ears (tinnitus) and itching.
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