To Epidural or Not?
In the Your Birth Project course we talk a lot about creating your best birth, whatever that means for you. When thinking about your birth goals here are some things to consider about Epidurals, to help give you knowledge when making an informed decision in labour and birth.
An Epidural is a pain management tool, the procedure is performed by an Anaesthetist and provides anaesthetic that numbs your body from the insertion point down. In most cases you would also have a fluid bag hooked up when having an epidural, through a cannula in your vein to support you to get extra fluids on board.
Depending on where you live, you may have an option for a Patient Controlled Epidural that allows you to push a button to administer more relief, and also often allows for some movement in the lower body. Other epidurals will result in complete numbness of the lower section of your body.
An epidural can provide you the rest and relaxation you need in labour which can prompt your labour to progress and cervix to dilate, if you were finding it hard to relax or get into a rhythm with other comfort methods and pain management techniques then this might be something you’d like to consider.
Some things to note about an epidural - they can slow down your labour as you are less likely to be producing the higher levels of oxytocin created by strong contractions that you can feel, and you are less likely to be able to use gravity to your full advantage as you may be on your back and less pressure from babys head will be on your cervix. If this was to happen your care provider may offer you medication that is used in an induction to speed things up.
When you get an epidural the Anaesthetist will ask you to sit on the edge of the bed, likely hugging a pillow, and curl over the pillow as hunched as possible so your spine is curved. You will need to stay very still for the procedure and you won’t be able to stand or walk afterwards. You and your baby will be monitored when you have had the epidural, you will have a catheter inserted into your bladder to stop the need to get up and go to the bathroom.
Sometimes you will get the shakes after an epidural, this is normal. It’s not dangerous and you will be monitored on the epidural by your Midwife or Nurse, they will likely cover you with some warmed blankets and the shaking will eventually stop.
There are other considerations that include risks and benefits when it comes to an epidural (maybe we need a part two) but I would encourage you to speak with your care provider about this option so you have it in your toolkit should you decide you need it.