5 consequences of epidural anesthesia that all pregnant women should know about

Epidural anesthesia is considered the only medication pain relief during childbirth. During the procedure, drugs are injected into the epidural space of the spine through a catheter.

The method is considered to be quite safe and is widespread. However, every anesthesia has the potential for side effects.

What can manifest itself already in childbirth:

• chills;
• a sharp decrease in pressure;
• itchy skin;
• retention of urine;
• nausea;
• pain at the injection site.

Also, an unborn baby may experience a decrease in heart rate. If the condition of the pregnant woman and the fetus is constantly monitored through devices, then doctors can quickly respond to any change.

Long-term effects of epidural anesthesia

1. Systemic toxicity of local anesthetics.

Note that this can be a consequence of any pain relief, not only in childbirth. It manifests itself in the form of damage to the organs of the nervous and cardiovascular system.

This is a rare complication, but it is possible nonetheless.

2. Meningitis or abscess

It is extremely rare, but can also be a consequence of epidural anesthesia.

3. Whole spinal cord block

If the anesthesia is not performed correctly and the medication is injected into the wrong space, it can lead to blockage of the entire spinal cord, not just a specific area.

4. Difficulty walking

Often, women who have undergone pain relief feel numbness in their legs and slight difficulty in walking within 24 hours after giving birth. This usually goes away quickly.

5. Headache

Due to the ingress of air into the subarachnoid space, the headache can begin immediately after the introduction of anesthesia.

Also, pain may occur after a while due to the loss of cerebrospinal fluid during a puncture.

Headaches can last for several days and then go away on their own. In case of severe pain, you need to see a doctor for treatment.

Epidural anesthesia is contraindicated women who have:

• severe injuries or infections of the lower spine,
• coagulopathy (blood clotting disorders),
• increased intracranial pressure caused by a brain tumor,
• an allergic reaction to anesthetic drugs.

When epidural anesthesia may not work:

• with obesity of the expectant mother;
• due to the anatomical features of a pregnant woman (congenital or as a result of a spinal injury)
• in violation of the technique of using anesthesia.

It will be interesting for you to read:

• 5 things you definitely don't need to take to the hospital
• 5 things pregnant women don't do in vain
• 8 troubles a caesarean section leads to