An epidural, which is administered through a small catheter placed in the back, is a type of pain relief often used during labor and delivery to help block the sensation of labor pains. This is often a healthier or less stressful way to endure the labor process, but there are some possible side effects associated with an epidural that a patient should be aware of before opting for the procedure.
Hypotension
Hypotension is a sudden drop in blood pressure and is a possible side effect of an epidural. This can be a problem because the blood pressure of the pregnant woman must be sufficient enough to supply oxygenated blood to the fetus. Hypotension can also cause a reduction of blood supply to the placenta, which can cause a baby to become distressed, warranting a C-section. Hypotension could also result in the respiratory distress of the mother.
Postpartum Bladder Dysfunction
Some women experience increased urinary tract infections after having an epidural due to the catheter put in place during labor. Other women will actually experience the loss of bladder control for a few hours, days, weeks or even months. This is due to the numbed pelvic floor muscles that often become strained in response to the numbing effect of the epidural.
Shivering
According to the American Pregnancy Association, shivering is a neurological response that some people have to the epidural procedure. The shivering can be uncomfortable but usually dissipates on its own within a few hours. The shivering can be helped with the use of warm blankets and massages.
Itching Sensation
Itching sensations can occur in those who have received an epidural, reports the National Institutes of Health. This is a neurological response to the medication that causes the numbing. This is not a serious medical condition, but can be very uncomfortable for the patient. The itching sensations can be quite intense but will dissipate soon after the epidural is stopped.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are commonly experienced with an epidural. Many people are very sensitive to the epidural procedure and this is the bodily response. This is uncomfortable but is usually short lived. The problem with nausea and vomiting is that it can rob the mother of the energy she needs to get through the labor.
Spinal Headache
This is a headache that is relatively rare, but can vary from mild to quite severe in nature. This is often due to a puncture of the postdural area and the leakage of spinal fluid. This headache may persist for just a few hours or for days or even weeks but will usually reside on its own.
