Most women fear labour pain and so opt for a c-section over a vaginal birth. But there are ways in which one can still experience the bliss of vaginal birth without much discomfort and pain. This is possible by opting for an epidural anaesthesia during labour. Epidural anaesthesia is most common pain management technique used in the hospital these days. In epidural painkiller medications are given in the spinal cord which numbs the nerves and stops the feeling of the pain. Basically, it changes the perception of pain. Epidural anaesthesia is becoming common these days because more and more women are opting for painless vaginal delivery, says Bandita Sinha, gynaecologist World of Women, Navi Mumbai. Here is what to expect during an epidural.
How does it work?
Epidural anaesthesia affects the abdomen, pelvic area and legs. Aesthetic medicine is injected into an area of the spine known as the epidural space. It is delivered through a small catheter made up of a fine plastic tube. The tube is introduced in the spine and inside of the spinal cord. It is given only when the woman is in the active phase of labour.
While many women opt for this form of pain management option but it might not be the right option for everyone.
Is epidural for everyone?
This process may not be suitable for everybody. Women who have an infection in the back or suffer from problems in the spinal cord, vertebrae or back pain, have low blood pressure cannot take this injection as it could be life-threatening. Women who are taking a blood thinner to avoid blood clot in veins during pregnancy should also stay away from epidurals. It should also be avoided by women who suffer from any kind of blood disorders.
However, in some women who have no other impending problem the epidural might not work. Though very rare, in a small section of women the labour can get prolonged after taking an epidural shot. If contractions decrease than they might have difficulty to push the baby out. The worst is if the baby s heartbeat or heart rate starts to drop in that condition a doctor might decide to go for a C-section, despite a planned vaginal birth.
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