Should I have an epidural?

Is an epidural right for me?

Whether you want one or not or yes change your mind about it half way through your labour there are a few important things to know about epidural.

Firstly it’s not good or bad! The decision to have medical pain relief is up to the individual and the circumstances around their labour and birth. I’ve seen epidurals work wonders for mammas and allow them to rest and relax and have thier vaginal birth. We do not need to demonise epidurals or make mammas feel like they have failed if they decide this is the right intervention for them.

However an epidural does contain opioid drugs, in Australia this is Fentanyl. It is important to know this as many women I speak to don’t realise this!

Having all the information about medicated and non medicated pain relief is the best way for you know what choice is the right one for you. Have a look below to see both the benefits and the risks of epidural pain relief.

Benefits

It can provide significant pain relief

Improved maternal comfort, resulting in lower levels of stress and anxiety

Allows mother to rest and sleep

On-going pain relief that can be "topped up" by mother when needed

Can help the muscles of the pelvic floor and hips to relax allowing greater decent of baby.

Less likely to need general anaesthesia in rare event of needing an emergency c-section.

Risks

1 in 10 epidurals do not work effectively

Nausea/vomiting/shivering

Fever

Low blood pressure

Need for a urinary catheter

Severe headache that can last for days to weeks, in some cases this will need to be treated with a second epidural at a later date.

Possible breathing issues

Prolonged labour

Increased likelihood of interventions, including synto drip, assisted delivery and c section.

Limited mobility

Inability to be able to feel the body's natural cues to push

Impact on normal labour hormones

Crosses the placenta and can effect baby

Whatever choice you decide to make around your pain relief it should be your decision and supported by your birth team and care provider. If you would like more information on pain relief options during labour reach out and let’s chat.

X Sasha