The Benefits And Risks Of Epidural

E P I D U R A L

⠀

An epidural is a thin hollow tube that sits in the epidural space of the spine, allowing numbing medicine to get delivered right to the nerves, used mostly as pain management in labour.

⠀

It is important to understand that while there are benefits, there are also risks.

⠀

Benefits include:

👉🏻 Pain relief

👉🏻 Allows you to rest

👉🏻 May help stop cervical swelling

⠀

Risks include:

👉🏻 Itching

👉🏻 Nausea & Vomiting

👉🏻 Fever

👉🏻 Low blood pressure

👉🏻 Breathing difficulties

👉🏻 Severe headache

👉🏻 Spinal fluid leak

👉🏻 Infection

👉🏻 Tearing

👉🏻 Instrumental Birth (forceps or vacuum)

👉🏻 Ongoing short or long term back pain

👉🏻 Prolonged labour

⠀

Were you told about the risks of an epidural?

⠀

Credit https://www.facebook.com/thisiswhatidoula/