Epidurals: birth without pain

 

An epidural is an extraordinary progress in the fight against pain during childbirth. Now a woman gives birth majority without suffering through this anesthesia that numbs the body half. Still, many questions remain about this method. Here are the answers you seek.
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Epidurals, what is it?
Epidural analgesia is to relieve the pain of women during childbirth. Note that only the lower part is numb. The anesthetic is injected between two lumbar vertebrae via a catheter, a tube end, in order to inject more easily as desired. An epidural is used for deliveries by natural means, but for cesareans. Whether you opt for an epidural or not a pre-anesthetic consultation is planned in late pregnancy. The goal ? See if there are no cons-indication in case of a possible epidural or general anesthesia. The anesthesiologist also prescribe a blood test shortly before the birth.Is epidural dangerous?
The epidural is not risky for the child as it is a local anesthetic, little product passes through the placenta. However, some high epidural can lower blood pressure in the mother that can affect the baby's heartbeat. The mother may also undergo other temporary events: dizziness, headache, back pain, difficulty urinating. Other possible accidents (neurological damage, allergic shock), but rare are those associated with any anesthetic gesture.The course of the epidural
Epidurals practice at your request during labor. It should not be practiced too late because she would not have time to act and would be ineffective contractions. That is why it is most often implemented when the expansion of the collar is between 3 and 8 cm. But also depends on the speed of work. In practice, the anesthesiologist begins by examining you and verify that you have no cons-indication. Lying on her side, standing or sitting, you must submit your back. It then disinfects the party anesthesia. It then spades between two lumbar vertebrae and the catheter inserted in the needle, itself held by a bandage. The epidural is theoretically not painful to the extent the area is previously asleep with local anesthesia. This does not mean that we can be anxious before the 8 cm needle and that is what can make the unpleasant moment. It may feel very briefly small electrical sensations, paresthesia (sensory disturbances) in the legs or in the back when it is done you.