Let’s talk about the epidural. Close your eyes for a moment and think about your birth. Different sensations and emotions run through your body. Probably one of the most predominant is fear: Fear of uncertainty, fear of believing that one will not be able to, fear that something will not go as planned, but above all, fear of pain.
Yes, to pain. Surely you have seen a lot of movies in which the woman is in labor. How does it appear? Sweating, screaming and desperately asking for something to alleviate the suffering he is suffering. And what is a way to alleviate it? Indeed, the epidural . However, it is important that you are informed about this method, that you know the advantages, disadvantages and alternatives so that you can decide when the time comes whether or not you want to use it. We explain everything to you in the following lines.
What is an epidural?
Most women have heard about this method, but few arrive at the delivery room without doubt.
When we talk about epidural (or epidural block) we are referring to theanalgesia produced thanks to local anesthetics and opiateswhich are introduced into the epidural space to reduce the pain in childbirth. Furthermore, it is also used in cases in which the woman may need a cesarean section and when there is an initial state of preeclampsia(high blood pressure).It is a local anesthesia that relieves pain from the navel downwards without affecting your state of consciousness.The epidural, despite what many people think,It is not only applied in labor. It is also widely used to reduce pain in lower limb surgeries.
Types of epidural
There are 2 very similar forms of epidural anesthesia:
- The“ambulant” epidural anesthesiawhich reduces pain while allowing the legs to move.
- Thecombined epidural/spinal anesthesia(spinal anesthesia) that are used in active labor, achieving immediate relief.
How is an epidural administered?
The epiduralIt is administered when the cervix has dilated 3-4 centimeters,when contractions are regular and half of the cervix has effaced. Here you can read more about the labor dilation.
The ideal moment is decided by the woman and/or the doctor/midwife. A local anesthetic is introduced into the spine in order to interrupt the nervous transmission of pain sensation.
A very fine needle is used to perform the puncture in the back through which a catheter is inserted to administer the dose.The effects are achieved graduallyand they begin to be felt 15-20 minutes after the puncture. There is no need to worry about the duration since can last as long as needed. 
Is the epidural a safe method?
Before performing any medical intervention It is vitally important to read the informed consent to sign it being aware of what you are facing.
Of course, the epidural It is effective as well as safe. It has been shown that It is the most effective technique to reduce pain in a risk/benefit ratio. Furthermore, it does not cause any effect on the baby. However, there are cases in which it is contraindicated, such as infections, allergies to anesthetics, coagulation disorders, hemorrhages or heart disease.
Advantages of this method
The greatest advantage of the epidural is the pain relief during childbirth. It can also be used in cesarean sections. It’s aeffective, frequent and safe method.
One of the big concerns is that the medication will somehow reach the baby. Peaceful. The amount is much less than what you would receive if other types of pain relief medications were administered through an IV or general anesthesia.
Disadvantages of this type of anesthesia
Everything good has something bad and vice versa. Among the disadvantages that we find when applying this type of anesthesia we can talk about:
- The difficulty when bidding since they won’t feel the same the contractions.
- arterial hypotension(lower blood pressure).
- Temporary difficulties when urinating.
- Tremors, itching and increased body temperature.
- Pain in the puncture area.
- Severe headaches.
- Indirectly affects breastfeedingsince it makes movement difficult in the first hours and can promote breast edema. Here you can read more about the lactation crisis and doubts about breastfeeding.
Of course Not all women suffer the same symptoms or with the same intensity.
Alternatives to epidural to reduce pain
The Perception of pain is unique and individual and is highly influenced by our anticipation.. That is to say, it is very likely that when we think that we are going to suffer horrible pain, our fear in pregnancy and Anxiety increases which translates into greater pain. Popularly speaking it is “the whiting that bites its tail ”.
Being well informed to make the best decisions and having the ability to decide on birth options before giving birth is key to arrive with a good emotional healthat birth. Something that will directly and indirectly influence this great moment.
To do this, we also have the implementation of positive thoughts, self-instructions, breathing and relaxation techniques or non-pharmacological techniques to mitigate it. It is also very helpful to have the figure of the couple in pregnancy and in childbirthso that you feel accompanied and protected at all times.
Other techniques that could help you are water birth, relaxation through music and aromas or acupuncture.
The pain of childbirth depends not only on physical causes but also on psychological causes and cultural factors (very established in our society). That’s why How we arrive at the moment of delivery becomes relevant. The mere fact of feeling an irrational fear at the time of childbirth irrevocably increases the possibility of suffering a painful childbirth.
From here we recommend carrying out a birth planafter having resolved all the doubts.Don’t get carried away by subjective opinions since each woman can experience it differently. You can consult with our midwife in our online childbirth preparation classes any questions that may arise regarding this topic.
However, even if your idea is that of a non-medicalized birth, remember that you can change your mind if when the time comes you need something to relieve you or make things easier for you. No problem.As María, our physiotherapist, says:“Your body is ready to give birth and your baby is ready to be born”.everything is going to be fine.
