Epidural

What is an epidural?

Epidural and spinal are general terms for techniques for administration of pain medications. They refer to the location of the administration, either the epidural or spinal space.

There are a variety of medications that are administered by regional block techniques, and there are variations in how the medications are administered including combining two or more medications.

How effective is epidural?

Epidural is generally considered the best method for controlling the pain of labor with medications. Most women who use an epidural report satisfaction with its effects.

Why choose to use an epidural?

Using a regional block allows the mother to remain fully aware without feeling the sensations of contractions.

Use of a regional block may allow a mother to sleep for a time during labor.

Regional blocks allow the mother to remain awake and aware for cesarean surgery.

Regional blocks can help a mother relax, allowing the labor to progress normally.

Why choose to not use an epidural?

Epidural is an advanced anesthetic technique that can make subtle and not so subtle changes in the process of labor. Its safe use requires using several other interventions that also have the potential to change the labor process. According to the World Health Organization, when epidural is used in an otherwise normal labor the labor can no longer be considered normal.

How many women use an epidural for labor?

The number of women who use an epidural during labor varies around the globe, and even in different hospitals in the same area. Because it is an advanced anesthetic technique, it is only available to women in developed countries and in some countries is only available to the wealthy. The World Health Organization does not consider an epidural to be essential for care in normal birth.

According to the statistics from each individual governments, New Zealand has a 24.2% epidural rate; Canada has a 45.4% epidural rate. Other governments do not report the use of epidurals in an easy to use format. However, it is important to remember that different areas within the same country can have very different statistics. The Listening to Mothers II survey reported a 76% epidural rate among women giving birth vaginally.

Learn more about epidurals:

Before agreeing to use any medication during pregnancy or labor, you should read this report on how the FDA determines the safety of drugs.

Manbit Technologies, an Australian company producing anesthesia technology, provides a comprehensive explanation of epidural analgesia.

Anesthesiologyinfo.com gives this explanation of the combined spinal/epidural known as the walking epidural.

Robbie Davis-Floyd discusses the research about epidurals and how this research has been or not been used in determining obstetric practice.

You May Also Be Interested In: What changes are being assessed during a cervical exam. The Natural Childbirth Directory can help you find more information about birth and locate childbirth professionals. The Coach's Notebook helps you learn tools and techniques to manage labor. Do some self exploration to discover how you will act in labor. Find out how exercise and nutrition can help you achieve your birth plan goals.

© Copyright 2000-2008 Jennifer VanderLaan and Birthing Naturally

Home | Site Index | Disclaimer | Contact