Epidural Drugs

Epidural refers to the way a medication is administered, not the medication itself. There are several medications that may be used in an epidural, and usually the medications are mixed according to the anesthesiologist preferences.

-caine derivatives

The -caine derivatives include mepivacaine, chloroprocaine, bupivacaine, lidocain and ropivacaine, and may be used for an epidural or a spinal. These medications are injected into the epidural space by a catheter and may be given as a continuous drip.They may cause you to feel relaxed, help you to sleep and cause a loss of sensation in the lower half of your body.

Possible side effects of -caine derivatives include maternal fever, decrease in blood pressure, slowing of labor, reduced urge and ability to push, increased use of forceps, vacuum extractor or cesarean birth, fetal heart-rate changes, or subtle changes in newborn reflexes.

narcotics

Narcotics include meperidine, morphine, fentanyl and sufentanil. These medications are used for the "walking epidural." They give long term pain relief while preserving some muscle strength to allow you to move in bed and possibly stand or walk.

Possible side effects of narcotics include nausea, vomiting, urine retention, itching, and fetal heart-rate changes.

References:
Enkin, Keirse, Nilson, Crowther, Duley, Hodnett and Hofmeyr. A guide to effective care in pregnancy and childbirth Third Edition. 2000. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Simkin, Penny. The Birth Partner: Everything You Need to Know to Help a Woman Through Childbirth. 2001. Boston: Harvard Common Press.

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.

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