To Epidural or Not to Epidural…
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Article Courtesy of AmericanPregnancy.org
Epidural anesthesia is the most popular means for pain relief during labor. In fact, more women ask for an epidural by name than any other method of pain relief: Over 50% of women giving birth at hospitals use epidural anesthesia.
As you prepare yourself for “labor day”, learn as much as possible about pain relief options so you will be equipped and ready to make decisions throughout your birth experience.
Understanding the different types of epidurals, how an epidural is administered, and the benefits and potential risks of an epidural will prepare you to make an informed decision for you and your baby as your birth unfolds.
What is epidural anesthesia?
Epidural anesthesia is regional anesthesia that blocks pain in a particular region of the body. The goal of an epidural is to provide analgesia, or pain relief, rather than complete anesthesia, which is total lack of feeling. Epidurals block the nerve impulses from the lower spinal segments resulting in decreased sensation in the lower half of the body.
Epidural medications fall into a class of drugs called local anesthetics, such as bupivacaine, chloroprocaine, or lidocaine. They are often delivered in combination with opioids or narcotics, such as fentanyl and sufentanil, to decrease the required dose of local anesthetic. This way pain relief is achieved with minimal effects. These medications may be used in combination with epinephrine, fentanyl, morphine, or clonidine to prolong the epidural’s effect or stabilize the mother’s blood pressure.
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Comment by lindsay on Jan 26 2009 05:09:49:
Good info on the epidural, but the title is “To Epidural or Not To Epidural…” So what are the alternatives? This article is missing more than half the subject matter.
For mamas who are interested in natural childbirth (even if you think you can’t do it) I highly suggest reading the two books by Ina May Gaskin. Very informative and inspiring. Even I, the biggest wimp on Earth, successfully experienced natural childbirth out of a hospital setting. I wouldn’t trade that experience for the world! It is amazing what the human body can accomplish when one is fully prepared and open-minded.
cheers to all new mamas and babies!
Comment by Denise on Mar 17 2009 02:53:50:
take it like a real women and don’t get an epidural… I was 19 and decided to have a natural birth it was tough but worth it. almost all the moms I know that got an epidural have back problems now so i’m glad I didn’t get it…
Comment by Autumn on Mar 26 2009 09:18:14:
I had to have an epidural since I wa delivering twins.
Comment by Helene on May 23 2009 03:28:16:
it’s a matter of personal choice. i don’t feel any less like a mom for having had an epidural. good for you that you did the natural route but that is your choice – don’t talk down to others just because you have a higher threshold for pain. the real test of bein a real woman is how you are after the baby is born!
Comment by Philip Kushmaro on Mar 23 2013 03:59:36:
http://www.laboraide.com/article/543-epidural-alternatives-knowing-your-options