Pros And Cons Of Epidural; Should You Consult Gynecologist?

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Pros And Cons Of Epidural; Should You Consult Gynecologist?

 

Epidural is an injection that is injected in your back to relieve pain in a part of your body. This pain reliever is usually given during labor/ childbirth or any surgery related to severe pain. As the epidural is administered, the anesthesiologist will numb the area, which may cause a momentary feeling of burning or stinging. Thanks to the numbness now, you will feel very little pain overall. However, you might feel pain once the needle is inserted. Due to epidural, mothers get lower blood pressure, resulting in a slower heartbeat for the baby. Consult gynecologist before you make any decision, as everyone has a different sensitivity level. 

 

Pros of Epidural


There are various advantages of using an epidural. Some of these include:

 

1. Pain Reliever


The main reason why an epidural is used is to relieve pain. People who use it in their birth plan are given the perk of ease in labor pain. It would not altogether remove the pain, but it would block the sensations, but you would still feel some pressure. The pain would be diminished overall. 

 

2. Alert During Childbirth


In the case of an epidural, you are relatively relaxed during your delivery. You feel awake but numb and no pain during the process. It helps build a good mother-baby bond as your baby's arrival is not painful. You should take your medicines regularly and get your tests done as your doctor prescribes. For follow-ups, you can also consult online gynecologists.

 

3. Fast Action 


It takes a total of around 15 minutes to start its action. Hence, you can use an epidural anytime you want during your labor. Epidural has rapid action, and it helps you achieve relaxation in a small time. You can also consult gynecologist before making your decision. 

 

4. Reduces Post-Partum Depression


You should discuss labor pain management with your doctor or midwife throughout your pregnancy. If your original plans need to be changed during labor, they can help you develop alternatives. Using epidurals during childbirth may reduce women's risk of postpartum depression (PPD), according to research published in 2014. PPD may be reduced by having a labor pain management plan.

 

Cons of Epidural


On the contrary, there are some disadvantages of epidural as well:

 

1. Low Blood Pressure 


Epidural relaxes the patient and is highly likely to lower blood pressure, and in this case, if the patient’s blood pressure gets low, then there is a possibility that the blood supply to the baby is affected. Fluids and medications are administered if the mother's blood pressure falls.

 

2. Nausea, Fever, Backaches


As with every other medicine, epidural has side effects too. These side effects include itching, shivering, fever, migraine, backache, dizziness, and nausea. Moreover, it may also increase the possibility of using forceps during the delivery. Forceps are an extremely painful procedure, and the reason behind using forceps is that you have significantly less power to push the baby. In this case, nerve damage might also occur in the spinal cord. 

 

3. Perineal Tear


Epidural use during labor is one of the causes of perineal tears. According to research on epidural use, women getting epidurals are at greater risk for perineal tears. Consult an online gynecologist for any assistance that you need. Moreover, for any concerns, instead of leaving the house, you can take constant follow-ups from the online doctor.

 

4. Life Threat For Baby 


The baby should be monitored appropriately if you have been given the epidural. Epidural may lead to forceps, and forceps might cause harm to your baby. Moreover, according to some research, epidurals may also cause respiratory issues in babies after birth. Consult online doctor for any concerns that you have in your mind. 

 

Conclusion


Your doctor should decide on your birth plan after considering some essential details about you. This long list of particulars includes you and your baby’s health. Moreover, your baby’s position and pain tolerance level also matter. Every case is different, so discussing everything with your doctor and midwife is better. Consult online gynecologist and construct a birth plan for yourself. 

For more queries, visit WoW Health or contact us at 844-969-4325.

 

FAQs


Q1. Is it better to get an epidural or not?


Pain relief during childbirth can be achieved most effectively with epidurals, which are easily adjustable, relieves your pain, and keeps you awake throughout the delivery.

 

Q2. How long after an epidural can you walk?


Most of the time, you will be able to walk within 30 minutes of your epidural injection. Epidural injections are typically monitored for 15 minutes to an hour in clinics and hospitals.

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