Epidural Complications

Epidural analgesia, sometimes called an epidural block, causes some loss of feeling in the lower area of a woman's body when she is in labor and getting ready to deliver her baby, yet she remains awake and alert. Epidural complications are rare, however, there may be some drawbacks to using this pain method.



An epidural block is given in the lower back into a small area below the spinal cord. Although an epidural block will make a woman more comfortable, she will still be aware of her contractions, and will be able to feel her doctor's exam as labor progresses. The anesthesiologist will adjust the degree of numbness for your comfort to assist in labor and delivery. You may feel temporary numbness, heaviness, or weakness in your legs.



Epidural complications are rare but do occur. An epidural can cause your blood pressure to decrease. This is turn, may slow your baby's heartbeat. To prevent this you will be given fluids through an IV before the drug is injected.



After delivery, your back may be sore from the injection for a few days, however, should not cause long-term back pain.



On very rare occasions, the covering of the spinal cord is pierced, and you may get a bad headache. If not treated, this headache could last for days, although this is very rare.



When an epidural is given late in labor or a lot of anesthetic is used, it may be hard to bear down and push your baby through the birth canal. If you can not feel enough when it is time to push, you anesthesiologist can adjust the dosage.



In the case of serious epidural complications, if the drug enters a vein, you could get dizzy or very rare, have a seizure. Also, if the anesthetic enters your spinal fluid, it can affect your chest muscles and make it hard for you to breathe.



As long as your analgesia or anesthesia is given by a trained and experienced anesthesiologist, there is little chance that you will run into any trouble. If you think a regional block may be the choice for you, discuss this with your doctor.



Paula Snyder is a mom, business owner and author.



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