These typically resolve on their own, but if they persist, they can be treated with a blood patch or caffeine. Usually, the headaches are worse when sitting compared to laying down. If the medicine leaks outside the epidural space, it may cause headaches when changing positions. There are other risks, but they are very rare. All of these are easily treated and should resolve.
Other minor side effects include itchy skin, nausea and vomiting, and a slight increase in temperature. If mom’s blood pressure does drop, it is usually quickly corrected with medication. This risk is routinely averted, however, by giving mom additional fluids prior to receiving an epidural. When mom’s blood pressure goes down, it can cause changes in the baby’s heart rate. The most common side effect of an epidural is a reduction in mom’s blood pressure. Unlike IV pain medication, it does not cross the placenta, and therefore doesn’t pose a direct threat to your baby’s heart rate or respiratory function. It is similar to a spinal block, but administered into a different space around the spinal cord. Epidurals target the nerves that carry sensation signals, blocking the ability to feel pain while maintaining muscle control, and varying levels of pressure sensation. It is administered and monitored by an anesthesiologist and can be given at any point during the course of delivery, as long as the patient can sit still to receive it. Just like each person is unique, every epidural is different and the outcomes can vary.Īn epidural is a form of regional anesthesia given through a catheter into the epidural space, just outside the spinal cord membrane. About 60% of women delivering vaginally use an epidural while 95% of women having a cesarean delivery receive epidural or spinal anesthesia.
Epidurals provide the best pain relief of all sedation options available for labor, while posing minimal risk to mom and baby. An epidural is the most common form of anesthesia used during labor and delivery.
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