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2 Apr 2024

Preparing for an Epidural: Steps and Considerations

Childbirth
Delivery method
Preparing for an Epidural: Steps and Considerations
This article guides you through the necessary steps and considerations when preparing for an epidural.
An epidural is a procedure that involves injecting a local anesthetic into the epidural space in the spine to numb the lower part of the body.
Discuss with Your Healthcare Provider
  • Medical History Review: Your healthcare provider will review your medical history to ensure there are no contraindications for an epidural.
  • Benefits and Risks: Discuss the potential benefits and risks associated with an epidural.
  • Personal Birth Plan: Share your birth plan and expectations regarding pain management.
Pre-Labor Preparations
  • Prenatal Classes: Attend classes that cover pain management options during labor, including epidurals.
  • Diet and Hydration: Follow guidelines on eating and drinking before labor, as advised by your healthcare provider.
  • Physical Health: Maintain good physical health, as a strong body can positively impact the labor and delivery process.
Know the Hospital Procedures
  • Hospital Policies: Familiarize yourself with your hospital’s procedures regarding epidurals.
  • Admission Process: Understand the admission process and when to inform the staff about your choice of an epidural.
Timing
  • Active Labor Assessment: An epidural is typically administered during active labor, usually when the cervix is dilated to about 4-5 centimeters. However, the timing can vary based on individual progress and pain levels.
  • Continuous Monitoring: Once you request an epidural, the labor and delivery team will monitor your contractions and baby’s heart rate to determine the optimal time for administration.
  • Communication: Keep an open line of communication with your healthcare team about your pain and comfort level to help them decide the best timing for the epidural.
Positioning During Administration
  • Preparation: You will be assisted into a sitting or side-lying position, with your back curved outward. This position helps to open up the space between the vertebrae, making it easier to insert the needle.
  • Staying Still: It’s crucial to remain as still as possible during the insertion of the epidural needle, despite ongoing contractions. Nurses or a support person can help you maintain the position.
  • Guidance and Support: The medical team will guide you through the process, providing physical support and verbal instructions to help you achieve and maintain the correct position.
Aftercare Post-Procedure
  • Monitoring Vital Signs: After the epidural is in place, your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels will be closely monitored to detect any changes that may occur due to the medication.
  • Assessing Pain Relief: Nurses will regularly check on the effectiveness of the epidural in managing your pain and may adjust the medication dosage as needed.
  • Leg Movement and Sensation: You’ll be observed for changes in leg movement and sensation. Some decrease in movement and sensation is expected, but the staff will ensure it’s within safe limits.
  • Monitoring Baby's Health: Continuous fetal monitoring will be conducted to ensure the baby is responding well to the epidural and labor is progressing normally.
  • Urinary Catheter: Since epidurals can decrease your ability to feel when your bladder is full, a urinary catheter may be placed to manage this.
  • Position Changes: Nurses will assist you in changing positions in bed to help with circulation and comfort, and to promote labor progression.
Managing Expectations and Emotions
  • Mental Preparation: Stay calm and focused. Practice relaxation and breathing techniques to help manage anxiety.
  • Support System: Ensure you have a support system in place, whether it’s your partner, a family member, or a doula.
Preparing for an epidural involves understanding the procedure, discussing options with healthcare providers, and taking steps to ensure physical and mental readiness.
By being well-informed and prepared, you can approach your labor and delivery with confidence and calm.
All I Need to Know
Epidural 101
1 min read
K
Kay
18 Nov 2023

This is my fiancé’s first baby, so this process is going to be completely new to him. It’s getting closer to our daughter’s arrival and I don’t plan on having a epidural. I’m needing tips on preparing him for delivery and explaining to him on how to coach me through delivery so everything can go smoothly.

Childbirth Delivery method
3 comments
J
Janny
Or do like me we’re listening to the Bradley method book together on audiobook and it’s very informative
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kay
Never heard of it we’ll have to check it out
27 Mar 2024

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A
Ally
27 Oct 2023

HOSPITAL TIP: Bring a heating pad if you plan to get an epidural. My neighbor told me this and I'm currently in the hospital feeling blessed to have it. Your back will be sore and achy at the epidural site afterwards. ❤️

Childbirth Delivery method
3 comments
B
Basqui
I was told it may help with contractions. Did you try it with that before epidural?
27 Mar 2024

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A
Ally
honestly I went from mild contractions that barely hurt at 2cm to 5cm wanting the epidural withing 4 hours and 5cm to 9cm in 2 hours. The epidural didn't even work on half my body till I was 9cm. It went so fast that I didn't even have time to think. My contractions were like 2min apart from 5cm
27 Mar 2024

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