Pregnancy is an overwhelming experience. There’s so much new
to learn and experience every day. Each day throws up a new exciting situation,
a new joy, a new moment! But it also brings nervous anticipation for the final
day. It is quite normal to feel scared about the whole experience as many may
have recounted tales of going through painful and long labor to you.
Did you come across the term epidural and are wondering what
is it about? Read on to know more about what is epidural in pregnancy, how it works
and its side effects.
Epidural During
Pregnancy:
Epidural is the most common and effective way to experience
relief from pain during labor and childbirth. The practice is usually common in
the hospitals by gynecologist in Delhi.
Normally, a local anaesthetic is used for this procedure. It is injected into
the epidural space, the space around the tough coverings that protect the
spinal cord, to block pain signals.
Is it Really Needed?
There is no standard answer to this question. Every
individual has a different capacity to handle pain. If you feel, at any point
of time during your labor that your contractions are getting too painful to
handle, you can opt for an epidural technique.
Epidural During Labor
– How Does it Work?
The epidural process works in the same way as a local
anaesthetic – it temporarily blocks the nerves that send pain signals from your
cervix and uterus to your brain. You are injected on your lower back, which
numbs any sensation from the lower part of your body. Even as the drug begins
to show its impact in your body, you remain fully conscious.
Labor Epidural Side
Effects:
While epidurals do have their own set of benefits, they may
also impact labor and delivery negatively. According to best gynecologist in Delhi,
epidural may be linked to the following:
1. It may decrease the chances of a spontaneous vaginal
birth by raising the chances of the baby being face up to 4 times.
2. It may triple the risk of you needing synthetic oxytocin.
3. It may raise the risk of you having to undergo a
C-section up to 2.5 times.
4. It may raise the risk of a severe perineal tear up to 3
times.
5. It may increase the length of labor.
6. It may raise the risk of several complications and may
require you to undergo an instrumental delivery such as forceps. This may
increase the risk of bruising, episiotomy, vaginal tears, facial injuries to
the baby, displacement of the bones of the skull and also blood clot formation
in the scalp.
7. It may also increase the risk of pelvic floor problems
following birth.
8. A decrease in fetal heart rate is noted after the birth
following an epidural. It is because babies need a longer time to get the drugs
out of their system than adults.
9. It may also increase the risk of maternal fever, which
may impact the baby too.
10. Mothers who are given epidurals are also found to spend
less time with their babies. It is said the higher the dose of the drug given,
the lesser the time the mother spends time in bonding with her baby.
11. Women who have used epidurals during labor are 2
times more likely to stop breastfeeding than those who didn’t.
If you are a first time mother and are confused
about whether to get an epidural or not, visit your healthcare provider or gynecologist in South
Delhi. Your doctor is the right person to assess the risks of
epidural during labor.