To get an epidural or not to?

While there are still many women who still choose to labour and give birth without medication, epidural is a very common and effective pain relief option. “It’s easy to get caught up in all the negative connotations associated with having an epidural to decrease labour pains. The truth is that many women find this the best option to manage pain during labour and it often leads to a positive and less stressful birth for both mom and baby,” says obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Veronique Eeckhout. “I also find that many women are much happier when they’ve settled on the fact that they will have an epidural before labour day. Unfortunately, some who don’t want artificial pain relief, but request it later,are too late.”

How does an epidural work?

An epidural is administered to provide pain relief to a certain area, as opposed to anaesthesia, which leads to a total loss of feeling or numbness. An epidural blocks the nerve impulses in the lower half of the body, allowing you to be awake, present, and mobile. There are two options to choose from, but, depending on the hospital and practitioner, the dosages of medication can vary. A regular epidural numbs the lower region of the body, including the legs, which means you are unable to walk or get out of bed once the effects of the procedure take place. Combined spinal epidural (CSE) or ‘walking epidural’ allows more mobility in bed and the ability to change positions with assistance. Your muscle strength, balance and reaction are reduced with this epidural and provides pain relief for 4 – 8 hours.

The pros of an epidural

• It provides effective pain relief during childbirth.
• It allows moms undergoing a C-Section to stay awake during the procedure.
• Moms get more rest during a long labour.
• It’s effective for pregnancy-induced hypertension as it lowers blood pressure.
• It offers an emotionally positive birth experience if you can’t cope with the pain of labour.

The cons of an epidural

• It can cause mild to severe headaches.
• It may increase the length of labour.
• It can cause uncontrollable shivering and nausea.
• It inhibits an active birth.
• The use of forceps and vacuum suction may be necessary as the epidural inhibits the urge to push and makes pushing difficult owing to numbness.
• It increases the possibility of a C-Section.
• Sometimes several attempts are needed owing to insertion difficulties.
• It can cause foetal heart-rate changes.
• Although rare, it has been known to cause respiratory distress and paralysis.