An epidural is a form of pain medication used by more than 50 percent of women who give birth at hospitals, according to the American Pregnancy Association. It is a local anesthetic that blocks nerve impulses, giving you decreased sensation in the lower half of your body. An anesthesiologist administers an epidural through a tube that's inserted into a space just outside the membrane surrounding your spine. Although all drugs and medications pose some risk and an epidural will cause some side effects for you, it is not likely to be harmful for your baby.
Side Effects
General side effects of the epidural that affect you and not the baby include itchy skin and shivering. You might also experience trouble urinating or a backache, especially at the injection spot. If you experience side effects that are too much to handle, talk to your doctor.
Risks
Some of the risks associated with getting an epidural include infection and bleeding in the epidural space. The person administering your epidural will help reduce these risks by using an antiseptic wipe on your skin and having you stay in one position while the epidural is administered. According to the American Pregnancy Association, an epidural might make pushing more difficult, which can result in the use of medications to progress labor or vacuum extraction to remove the baby. An epidural could also make your blood pressure drop and decrease blood flow to your baby, so your doctor will likely check your blood pressure regularly.
Considerations
The American Pregnancy Association states that there is some evidence of an epidural causing respiratory depression or an increase in heart rate for your baby. However, there are doubts surrounding this research, and many factors can contribute to each mom and baby's situation such as other medications and dosages and the baby's overall health. If you are unsure whether or a not an epidural is safe for your baby, talk to your doctor about the safety of its use for your situation.
Recommendations
Educate yourself about all your pain management options before delivery, such as an epidural, spinal block and breathing techniques. Although you cannot predict what labor will be like for you, you can be prepared with a birth plan and an understanding of all of your options in case your plan changes.
