If you’re newly pregnant, you’re probably learning a lot of new terms and making huge decisions about your pregnancy journey. This includes the concept of epidurals.

An epidural is a pain-relieving injection that is often given during childbirth. This is a popular way to ease pain during labor, but there are also risks associated with epidurals, which is why some women choose to give birth naturally instead.

In this blog post, we will explain epidurals and discuss their pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to get one during your next pregnancy.

What Is an Epidural?

During childbirth, contractions help push your baby through your birth canal. These contractions can cause a lot of pain, which is why epidurals are often given during labor.

An epidural is an injection of pain medication into the epidural space, which is the area around the spinal cord. This numbs the nerves that carry pain signals from the labor and delivery process to your brain, lessening the pain that you experience.

How Are They Given?

Epidurals are usually given by anesthesiologists, who are medical doctors who specialize in pain relief. To give you an epidural, the anesthesiologist will first clean your back with a sterile solution.

Then, they will insert a needle into your epidural space and place a small tube (catheter) through the needle. The anesthesiologist will then remove the needle and leave the epidural catheter in place.

The epidural medication is then administered through the epidural catheter, which numbs the nerves surrounding your spinal cord. This provides pain relief during childbirth.

Does It Take Time to Recover?

After you have an epidural, the medication will start to work within minutes. You will likely feel relief from your contractions almost immediately.

The epidural catheter will be removed once you have delivered your baby and are no longer in active labor. You may feel some soreness where the needle was inserted, but this should go away within a few days.

What Are the Pros and Cons of an Epidural?

The Benefits of Epidurals:

There are several pros to epidurals, which is why they’re such a popular choice during childbirth.

• You’ll likely experience significantly less pain during childbirth. This is the most common reason why women choose to have epidurals. Childbirth can be incredibly painful, so epidurals can provide much-needed relief.
• Epidurals can help shorten the duration of labor because they can help you relax, which may help the baby be born more easily.
• Epidurals can help you stay alert and involved throughout labor.
• You may be able to avoid a Cesarean section if you have an epidural.
• Epidurals can also reduce the risk of tearing during childbirth.

The Risks Associated with Epidurals:

There are also some potential drawbacks to epidurals, which is why natural births are also a popular choice.

• You may have a drop in blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness or even fainting. You may also experience side effects like shivering, itching, and nausea.
• Epidurals can increase your risk of having a forceps or vacuum delivery.
• You may need a catheter if you have an epidural, which can increase your risk of infection.
• There is a small risk of developing a headache after an epidural, as well as a very small risk of nerve damage.

Am I Eligible?

Most women can have an epidural, but there are some exceptions. You may not be able to have an epidural if:

• You’re allergic to the medication used in epidurals.
• You have a blood disorder that makes it difficult to clot.
• You have a heart condition.
• You have a history of spinal problems.

If you’re not sure whether or not you’ll be able to have an epidural, talk to your doctor or midwife. They will be able to give you more information about whether or not an epidural is right for you.

What Is a Natural Birth?

A natural birth is a vaginal delivery that does not involve any epidural or other pain medication. This means that the mother will feel all of the sensations of childbirth, including the pain.

There are many reasons why a woman might choose to give birth naturally. For some, it is a personal preference to avoid epidurals and other pain medications. For others, it may be a religious or spiritual decision. And for some women, epidurals simply are not an option because they cannot receive them due to the above medical reasons.

What Should I Do If I’m Considering an Epidural?

So, what’s the verdict? Epidurals are generally safe and effective, but there are some risks involved. Since epidurals come with both pros and cons, so it’s important to weigh your options carefully before making a decision. Talk to your doctor or midwife about the risks and benefits of epidurals so you can choose the option that’s best for both you and your baby.

No matter what you choose, remember that there is no right or wrong way to give birth. The most important thing is that you and your baby are healthy and happy.

Experience a Smoother Pregnancy with OB2Me

Making all these decisions about your pregnancy and childbirth can be daunting for any mother-to-be, but you don’t have to do it alone. At 2Me Healthcare, we offer private in-home or in-office concierge midwifery care to support you with comfortable prenatal and postpartum care for both you and your family. We are also available to you throughout your labor and delivery at the hospital.

OB2Me provides multiple packages and services to best fit your needs and make your transition from pregnancy to motherhood as stress-free as possible. Just contact our team today to see how working with a dedicated and passionate healthcare provider can make all the difference!