WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Everything You Need to Know About Epidurals

Childbirth
Delivery method
Everything You Need to Know About Epidurals
For many women in labor, an epidural can be an effective tool for pain management. Understanding what an epidural is, how it works, and what to expect can help you make an informed decision about using this method during childbirth.
What is an Epidural?
An epidural is a form of regional anesthesia used to reduce pain in the lower part of the body.
It's commonly used during labor to ease the discomfort of contractions and the birthing process.
How Does an Epidural Work?
  1. Procedure: An anesthesiologist inserts a small catheter into the epidural space in your lower back. Through this catheter, medication is delivered continuously or as needed to numb the lower part of your body.
  2. Medication: The medication usually includes a combination of local anesthetics and narcotics. This mixture helps reduce pain while allowing some degree of sensation and movement.
The Process of Getting an Epidural
  1. Timing: Epidurals are typically administered when you are in active labor and have dilated to at least 4-5 cm.
  2. Positioning: You will be asked to curl your back and remain still while sitting or lying on your side during the insertion of the epidural.
  3. Insertion: The anesthesiologist will numb a small area of your back before inserting the epidural needle and catheter.
  4. Onset of Relief: Pain relief usually begins 10 to 20 minutes after the medication is administered.
Benefits of an Epidural
  • Pain Relief: Provides significant relief from labor pain, allowing for rest and relaxation during labor.
  • Adjustable: The level of numbness can often be adjusted to your comfort and needs during labor.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
  • Drop in Blood Pressure: Can cause a temporary drop in blood pressure, affecting both mother and baby.
  • Limited Mobility: Reduces your ability to move around freely during labor.
  • Possible Headache: A rare side effect is a spinal headache, which can occur if the dura mater is punctured.
  • Incomplete Pain Relief: In some cases, the epidural may not provide complete pain relief or may work better on one side of the body.
After the Epidural
  1. Monitoring: Your blood pressure and the baby’s heart rate will be closely monitored.
  2. Assistance Needed: You may need assistance moving or changing positions in bed.
  3. Pushing During Labor: You may feel less pressure and sensation, which can impact your ability to push effectively, potentially lengthening the second stage of labor.
FAQs About Epidurals
  1. Will I be completely numb with an epidural?
  2. Can I walk with an epidural?
  3. How long does an epidural last?
  4. Is an epidural always an option?
  5. Does an epidural affect the baby?
Discussing your options with your healthcare provider will provide clarity and help you make a decision that aligns with your birthing plan and needs.
Remember, the goal is to have a safe and positive birth experience for both you and your baby.
All I Need to Know
Pain Management during Labor
1 min read
K
Kalynn
8 Feb 2024

How do you ladies feel about epidurals ? Ima first time mom currently in labor and getting the epidural in my experience hurt really bad and was scary just because you HAVE to stay completely still BUT now that I have it I can actually go to sleep because contractions are the worst!!! But I cant wait to meey my princess and I pray pushing her out goes well

Childbirth Delivery method
9 comments
J
Jenna
Had with my first but not with my second I did all natural no nothing do what ever feels right to you don’t let people judge you or change your mind just remember it can fail and not everyone birth plan goes exact way they think
27 Mar 2024

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Jenna
See with my second I didn’t feel contraction till 9 cm and I went in when I was almost 7 cm
27 Mar 2024

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Chanel Diamond
15 Jan 2024

I’m a first time mom and I hear a lot of negative things about epidurals. What’s everyone’s opinions on it? Is it better to go natural what are some better options?

Childbirth Delivery method
1 comments
A
Abby
Everyone goes through it all just a little different then other moms. Epidural is there to help with the pains of contractions. If you are worried about getting an Epidural talk to your OB they have been through it all and seen it all. I was relieved! When I talked to my doctor about it.
27 Mar 2024

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Sam
10 Jul 2023

Hey everyone!! Looking for opinions on epidurals, I have gotten a few but would like to hear some pros and cons, stories about having one or not. The hospital I am delivering in is a teaching hospital, all of the new students will be administering epidurals for the first time ever and I will ask for a senior resident but I am still a little concerned and am thinking about not getting one just in case now… any thoughts or whatever will help, thanks ❤️

Childbirth Delivery method
2 comments
C
Crystal
My baby will also be delivered at a teaching hospital my 2 oldest kid's were also born at the teaching hospital and they were great with me and my baby. They was at my request hand and foot and if something was wrong they were running in my room I also had the epidural with both and will be with this baby as well and everything went well with the epidurals
27 Mar 2024

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🍹Jenni
I had a great experience with the epidural, but sorry I have nothing to compare it to bc that was my only birth. I plan on having another one! Good luck 🍀
27 Mar 2024

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Chrystal
30 Oct 2022

Asking way ahead of time, but if I decide to get an epidural, how many times should a very experienced anesthesiologist have performed epidurals? If I get it I want to know they know exactly what they're doing. I've never gotten one before and man OH MAN does it make me nervous!

Childbirth Delivery method
1 comments
H
Hannah
14 Nov 2021

Epidurals .. let’s talk about them. Is it painful ? How long does the numbness last in the legs ? Can you feel the wire going in ?

Childbirth Delivery method
10 comments
R
Ryan
No, it’s not painful. They numb you up really good . You don’t feel anything. The numbness last for hours.
27 Mar 2024

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Angel
It all depends in the person
27 Mar 2024

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