Can epidurals cause long term problems?
On the basis of current literature, serious long-term complications are rare yet can have devastating results. Potential etiologies for long-term complications associated with ESI include infection, bleeding, endocrine effects, neurotoxicity, and neurologic injury.
What is the most common side effect of an epidural?
The most common side effect from epidural anesthesia is lowering of the mother’s blood pressure. Less common side effects may include severe headache after delivery, difficulty urinating or walking after delivery, and fever. A rare side effect is seizure.
Can too much epidural hurt the baby?
Additionally, the amount of medication that reaches the baby from the epidural is so small it doesn’t cause harm. Myth: Epidurals can slow down labor or increase the risk of having a cesarean section (C-section).
How long does an epidural shot last for pregnancy?
An epidural can provide relief for a pretty long time, as long as your catheter is in place and you’re receiving medication—in fact, it can last reliably for up to five days, according to Grawe.
Does epidural lead to C section?
Women having epidurals were 2.5 times more likely to have a cesarean (20% vs. 8%), or put another way, 12 more women per 100 having epidurals had a cesarean (absolute excess), which amounts to 1 additional cesarean for every 8.5 women having an epidural (number needed to harm).
Why do doctors push epidurals?
It’s more convenient for the hospital and doctors for you to have an epidural, and you will be encouraged to do so. An epidural makes you less likely to make requests of the staff, and makes it easier for the staff to call your doctor to arrive “just in time” to catch the baby.
Can you feel the baby coming out with an epidural?
The goal of an epidural is to provide relief from pain, not total numbness, while keeping you comfortable and completely alert during your birth experience. You may still feel your contractions happening (though you may not feel the pain of them much or at all), and you should still be able to push when the time comes.
Why is epidural bad for baby?
One possible side effect of an epidural with some babies is a struggle with “latching on” in breastfeeding. Another is that while in-utero, a baby might also become lethargic and have trouble getting into position for delivery.