Best Way to Reduce Pain in Hospital Birth with Epidural Block

Epidural anesthesia is the most commonly used pain relief in hospital births. An epidural injection numbs the lower half of the body from just below the waist to just below the knees, but particularly the per-meal area. This is the pelvic area from the pubic bone in front to the tectum in back and between the hipbones.

To receive an epidural, a small area of your lower back is washed with antiseptic, and the skin is numbed to prevent your flinching from the needle stick. The anesthesiologist inserts a needle attached to a flexible tube into your lower spine in a space outside your spinal cord while you round your back and exhale. The tube delivers the anes­thetic to your lower back after the needle is removed.

An epidural:

•  Helps ease the pain of contractions as well as the pain that comes from the baby moving through the birth canal.
•  Is also used in larger doses for a cesarean. Having an epidural makes it possible for you to remain awake for the surgery.
•  Can slow labor or even stop it because it affects the quality of the contractions. If this occurs, you’ll need a medication (Pitocin) to induce labor.
•  Will also numb the lower back and legs. You can move your legs once the epidural is inserted and secured in place, but you won’t be allowed to walk around.
•  Is continuous or occasional pain medication. With the tube in place, continuous small doses or occasional doses can be given without another injection.
•  May be given in reduced amounts. You may be able to ask your doctor for a smaller than usual dosage of medication. Having less than the full dosage can give you pain relief and still leave you feeling in control of your progress during labor.
•  Allows you to feel only pressure during contractions, not pain.
•  Usually doesn’t prevent you from pushing the baby out when it is time.
•  Is not usually administered in vaginal deliveries until you’re dilated four centimeters or more. Starting an epidural sooner may slow down the labor or even stop it altogether.
•  May cause your blood pressure and the baby’s heart rate to drop-This is usually avoided by providing intravenous fluids and hav­ing you lie on your side to improve blood circulation.
•  Can cause some soreness in the back after the anesthesia wears off. This soreness will disappear with time.