Epidural Anaesthesia

28.03.2010 | By: S. J.

Read about the advantages and disadvantages of epidural anaesthesia during labor and childbirth.

Epidural anaesthesia is one of the most reliable and effective methods of pain relief during labor. (jlp)

What is epidural anaesthesia and how is it performed?

Epidural anaesthesia is one of the most reliable and effective methods of pain relief during labor and childbirth. It is carried out by an anaesthetist and is only performed in larger maternity hospitals. In the procedure, the anaesthetist inserts a thin hollow tube into a small space just below the spinal cord where there are a lot of nerves which transmit the sensation of pain to the uterus. A certain amount of local anaesthetic is introduced through the tube to alleviate labor pain in the first and second periods of labor.

When should it be done?

The greatest disadvantage of the method is that a large amount of anaesthetic can make it harder to feel when you should push during the contractions. (jlp)

Epidural anaesthesia is usually performed when the cervix is dilated for at least 2 inches. In case it is done correctly, the contractions do not slow down. If it is done too early, labor can take longer.

Can epidural anaesthesia have negative effects?

The negative side of epidural anaesthesia is that it requires experienced anaesthetists, is more expensive and less practical than other methods. The greatest disadvantage of the method is that a large amount of anaesthetic can make it harder to feel when you should push during the contractions, which increases the possibility of using forceps to deliver the baby.

During epidural anaesthesia, it is recommended that we use the electronic control of the foetus’s heart rate because sometimes the method can cause a short-term slowdown of the baby’s heart beats during the contractions, the woman’s and the baby’s blood pressure can fall, and there is a possibility of certain neurological disorders.

Epidural anaesthesia has disadvantages, too. (jlp)

Can all women have an epidural?

Mothers-to-be learn about the possibility of relieving pain during labor and childbirth and the possibility of epidural anaesthesia in antenatal classes. Those who plan to choose this method should talk to an anaesthetist at least 14 days prior to childbirth. The anaesthetist will describe the method in detail and assess its usefulness with regard to your health, wishes, expectations and potential diseases.

Every mother-to-be decides after consultation whether she will endure the pain or have an epidural anaesthetic.