What Do You Know About Epiderals (Sp?)

I had an epideral with both my kids and hoping to get to the hospital in time for a third one. I had very bad back pain with the first one, but the second epideral went ok. My kids are 6 and 3 and are just normal kids so I do not think it had any effect on my babys. good luck in what ever you choose!

Hi E.. I tossed my cookies while in labor before I got the epidural. It's the changing chemicals and hormones in your body. Is there a chance your the throwing up and high fever were more a reaction to the pregnancy and labor rather than the epidural? Once I got my epidural I felt much better and my daughter had zero side effects. I, like many other mothers have said, know of nobody who's baby suffered any side effects of an epidural. If you are concerned talk to your doctor. Remind them of the the vomiting & fever and see if it's just a matter of changing the dosage.

Much luck to you for a healthy pregnancy! :)

Last week at my birth class, taught by a nurse practicioner who has worked in labor and delivery for 15 years, our class went over side effects of medical interventions on mom and baby. For an epideral, the primary effects are on mom and the baby never gets any of the drug because the drugs never reach your blood stream. However, the way mom reacts to the drug has one direct effect on the baby - as the mother's pain subsides, her body also stops making the stress hormones that are associeted with pain. This means the baby stops receiving these hormones and will be less alert at birth. The instructor said that most parents will not notice this decreased allertness, because the baby will be alert. However, non-medicated birth babies are more alert and it is obvious to someone who spends all day looking at babies within the first few minutes of life. However, the serious long term side effects that are possible with epiderals are really limited to the mother.

I have not had an epideral myself, so I can't give you any personal experience. I had an unmedicated birht, and I was pleased with the outcome (although I hope this time around I am not in labor so dang long!)However, epiderals are not evil, they are a personal choice. I would encourage you to research/talk to your health care provider about the health risks/side effects as well as the intervention cascade and how it might affect your birth options or lead to other interventions. Your health care provider and medical resources will be your best bet on accurate information.

Happy birthing!!!

Without a doubt, epidurals can hinder the ability to give birth.

Ever heard of Lamaze? They have a truly wonderful wealth of information on the healthiest ways to give birth. They are called "Care Practice Papers" and can be found online here: http://www.lamaze.org/Default.aspx?tabid=90

This one is specifically about the harm that epidurals can cause: Care Practice #4: No Routine Interventions -> http://www.lamaze.org/ChildbirthProfessionals/Resourcesfo... It's just past halfway down on the page.

For example, "Epidural medication does affect the baby. The newborns of women who receive certain kinds of epidurals (that include a narcotic drug) have more problems breastfeeding in the first hours, days, and weeks after birth (Beilin et al., 2005; Jordan, Emery, Bradshaw, Watkins, & Friswell, 2005; Lieberman & O’Donoghue, 2002; Radzyminski, 2003, 2005; Torvaldsen, Roberts, Simpson, Thompson, & Ellwood, 2006). This can make early breastfeeding more challenging for you and your baby. "

Reading these helped me IMMENSELY. Also check out the Bradley Method of labor coaching. My husband and I used it and boy, it meant the world to me.

Hope that helps!

First off, I am so sorry that you had to go through that, I can only imagine how hard it must have been for you.
As for your question, I had an epidural with my son, and I had no complications, or side effects. It was wonderful, some people say that it takes awhile for it to kick in, but for me it worked within 5 to 10 minutes tops. I had to have it because my body was so stressed from labor that it was causing my heartbeat and the babys to dangerous levels, so really the epidural saved us from other possible complications. I would definatly have another one with my next child.
The only side effects I have heard of were, my friend had hives for a day or two and headache for a few days but both went away shortly thereafter.

Good luck with everything and best wishes to you.

If you had a bad reaction to it, that's reason enough not to get one. You don't need any more "weight" to an argument other than "adverse reaction". Easy.

Side effects of epidurals are extremely rare NOW, but they were very common a generation or two ago. Different kinds of drugs and different dosages. The side effects, btw, were predominantly a "sleepy" baby for a few hours... because the baby was anesthetized partially as well. Which could cause problems with eating and breathing, but usually didn't. It's sort of like circumsizing... hundreds of millions are cut and are fine, a handful aren't... so it's a big deal. Even though the side effects were common, usually very little came from them. Now there are rarely *ever* any side effects, because medical knowledge and practice has continued to move along (the same way other technologies and sciences have continued to move along). It's hard for me with some of my friends who are quoting medical info that's 20 years old... but they get it off the web from people and websites with agendas, and don't know how to research the info to find out if it's current or not. ((I'm the same way with computers... I could be reading a tech manual 20 years old and have no clue and be the laughing stock amongst my techie friends quoting from it. I think we're ALL ignorant about something... in my case... many things. But I read medicalese, and have a smattering of education in the field, so I can *usually* tell when something is bogus. Not so my computer or my car. Thank GOD I have an honest mechanic.)).

All that aside: Talk with your OB or Midwife. There are a lot of different options out there (from natural to oral meds to epidurals to spinal blocks). Work with them to figure out the best game plan for YOU. They may even do a trial run with a chemical to test for adverse reaction, or they may not.

I can only respond from MY experience. I have had two children. The first I had an epidural...and I LOVED it! I was induced and was on pitocin and I just was not getting a break from the contractions. I really went into it with an open mind though. I was just going to try and do it naturally, but for me I chose the epidural. My labor after that was very easy. I pushed for about 15 minutes and my son was fine. He was very alert and he nursed great. I was able to walk a couple of hours after the delivery and the only side effect I felt was I was a little light headed, though that could have been due to the fact I just gave birth to a baby and not the epidural.

I think the way to look at it, is it CAN have side effects. If you take Tylenol, it CAN have side effects. If you drink, eat, take, are exposed to anything, the all CAN have side effects. Here's the thing, you need to do your own research and look at statistics. There are all kinds of opinions about this. Weigh the benefits and risk. Someone on here can tell you your baby will be adversely effected, disabled, harmed. Doesn't mean, it's true. It means somewhere a long the way, they read or heard that. Look into it yourself. Don't make a decision, on what people on mamapedia say. It's just opinion, it's not scientific research.

Fir the record: I had to have a c-section, which meant I had an epidural. I was fine, no reaction. My son was fine, no reaction. His scores were high, he ate well, he was alert. He always has been fine. 18 months later, he's never been sick, or had a problem. He's not a miracle child, that survived the evil epidural!! He's just a typical little boy!!

I had two epidurals and no side effects for my children. Personally I don't know anyone with a child who has had side effects from an epidural. However, some of the mothers -like you -have side effects as you experienced. I know one woman who had intense "epidural migraines" for the better part of a year -constant migraines -due to an epidural. I never had any problems, but some people don't react well to them -chills, headaches, etc. It's a form of anesthesia, and some are allergic to anesthesia no matter if it's general or local.

I am so sorry for your loss and the additional trauma of having to give birth.

I do know that I had a bad reaction to the epidural(baby and my blood pressure kept dropping dangerously low). Then the DOCTOR was going to give me another epidural since it wore off. I refused. I could not believe he was offering one. Hello, two minutes after he gave me it, I passed out.

I can't prove this, but I feel my epidural slowed labor. I went natural for the actual birth. I only regretted it for the two minutes the shoulders were coming out. It hurt, but not nearly as bad as I imagined it would. I could get up and walk, shower, and potty right after birth without the epidural.

I bet your doctor would answer your additional questions. I know all my doctors are sensitive to these sorts of things and anyone in your situation would have questions.

First--I am so deeply sorry for your loss and am praying for your current pregnancy.

With my first baby I had an epidural...never considered going without one. I had an experience similar to yours. With my second baby (born 12 weeks ago)...I went all natural. It was SO MUCH BETTER. It hurt, of course, but the overall experience was much improved. With my first, she wouldn't nurse after delivery (too sleepy from the epidural). My son, born all naturally, nursed like a champ and just generally did better. And I recovered so much faster! If you're considering a natural birth, you should definitely check out Ina May's Guide to Natural Childbirth. I read it in the weeks leading up to my delivery and it really helped me get through. The epidural also increases your risk of C-section.

First of all, I'm so sorry for the loss of your twins. Must have been tough.
Your reaction to the epidural is not common. The anesthesiologist probably didn't do a stellar job in putting it in. I had one with all 3 of my kids and it made a huge difference for me as far as pain relief and comfort. Talk with your OB and tell him that you want an experienced anesthesiologist for the epidural or try it the natural way if you are afraid of getting sick, again. But the doc who puts it in is really important.

Congrats on your pregnancy!

I really wanted to have an unmedicated birthing experience with my first birth. I waited as long as I could and then had to be induced at 42.5 weeks. They pumped pitocin (sp?) for 12 hours with no effect. Once they broke my water the pitocin kicked into high gear (1-2 minute contractions with 15-30 seconds between contractions) and I labored hard for 6 hours without drugs. I only went from a 3 to a 4 in those 6 hours. I ended up getting an epidural. Went from a 4 to 10 in 30 minutes, pushed for 20 minutes and everything was great. My son had high apgar scores, immediately started breastfeeding, and I was up within the hour to go the bathroom on my own.

One of the reasons I did not want an epidural is because I wanted to be present and aware during the birth. I can tell you that I was WAY more aware during the birth with the epidural than without. It's not like you are drunk or feel drugged up.

For my second birth, I had such a positive experience with the epidural, that I was planning on getting one. I ended up not having enough time and had no pain medication during the birth. It was very empowering not having any medication, but I did not feel very present during the birth. With my first birth I asked for the mirror so I could watch and got to talk with my husband and my mom. This time around, I didn't do any talking, just a lot of yelling. However, immediately after the birth, the pain is all gone and you are definitely on a high.

What I'm trying to say is it's a personal decision. There is no way to know what will happen on the day of the birth. I would go in with a general plan of your ideal situation and then be open to all of it. Don't feel badly if you end up getting an epidural and you didn't plan on it. It will be the happiest day of your life either way. Good luck!!!

Dear E., I am so very sorry about your twins. How very sad. I cannot imagine the heartache that was for you.
I highly recommend the book, The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer. It is excellent. It discusses the various procedures they do in a hospital, the pros and cons, what the actual Academy for Obstetrics (or whatever it is called) says about it (most hospitals and doctors do not follow their guidelines!). Excellent resource.
I pray that all goes well for you, and that you will be blessed with a healthy baby in due time. Blessings!

It's a personal choice. Wrth talking with your partner and PCP about.

Epidurals do affect the baby and can make it harder to initiate breastfeeding if you're planning to. They can also make labor longer and they don't always work. Also, epiduals are an intervention to labor and can lead to more interventions (pitocin, forceps, vacuum, c-section). I have nothing against epidurals personally.

I also chose not to have an epidural with either of my children. Both were unmedicated vaginal births. It hurt, but mostly because I had back labor with both of them. My kids were 7lbs 5oz and 8lbs 11oz. I don't have "birthing hips", but they were both born without any of the complications possible with an epidural.

I am so sorry for your loss. Really, speak to your OB and maybe make an appointment to speak to a anestesiologist. You have concerns that most of us don't. My experience with epidurrals was great, and I would not have a baby without it, and I know not a soul who had a problem, nor a child with an injury. If you are looking for people to sway you away, you are going to find that, but you just can't count on anything they say being accurate for you, in your siutation, for your body. Talk to someone with medical expertise who can look at your records and your body and give you advice.

M.

I LOVE EPIDURALS! LOL! I did not have any problems at all, nor did either of my kiddos. I was able to relax and spend some memorable quality time with my hubby really enjoying the entire process.

Good luck on your decision. Don't let anyone bully you one way or the other. Do what your gut tells you to do mama!

It depends somewhat on what drugs they use in the epidural, and when during labor you get it. Epidurals can cause heart rate irregularities for baby and also slow the progress of labor. Because once you get the epidural you'll pretty much be stuck in bed, it can also lead to fetal malpositioning. All of that means that a C-section is more likely, and of course C-sections are generally riskier for both mom and baby. Epidurals can also cause difficulties for baby with latching on and learning to breastfeed.
However, epidurals can certainly be useful if labor is long and difficult and you just need a rest. I highly recommend that you hire a doula, especially if you're hoping to have a more natural birth. You and your doula can talk a lot before you go into labor about all the risks and benefits of lots of various medical interventions.

With so many syndromes going on these days I would do it as natural as possible if I were you.
Women always talk about vaccines, cig smoke, peanuts, etc that cause problems for kids.... but what about the epidurals? Do they cause sids or adhd or other things? No one really knows.
I had no pain meds with my delivery, I know everyone cant do that for some reason but I suggest you go natural as if you lived 200 years ago before the use of nothing but whisky for the pain.

I am sorry for your loss but so happy you are expecting again.

Side effects of an epidural are rare - primarily a 'spinal' headache (mom, not baby) which is very treatable. There are no documented effects on the baby (and millions have been performed). I had an epidural and was very pleased. DH had an Achilles tendon rupture the year before and never would have considered surgery without analgesia, I really saw no reason to consider labor without the same pain relief. If you want a 'natural birth' you should do it for yourself, not because you are worried about health risks to the baby. Talk to your anesthesiologist.
Best of luck,
D.

I had epidurals with DD and DS. DD I went 14 hours without at contractions 2 min apart and then they broke my water and started pitocin drip to move labor along...I went another 2 hours with pitocin and no epidural and then said screw it! I had wanted a natural but in no way did I think I would have to have a 28 hour labor of contractions 2 min apart to accomplish this goal! I pushed for 25 min so it didn't effect that.

With DS, I had an induction 1 week late (turns out his cord was only 6" and he couldnt come out naturally but we didn't know that till emergency c-section) -- had the water broken, pitocin drip and finally about 4 hours in I asked for an epidural. Well, it slipped out of place after a few hours and had to be reinserted. Holy Hell did the pain suck! I had a 20 hour failed induction and then they turned up the epidural and did the c-section after I was totally numb from boobs down.

Both my kids are super bright, ahead on their milestones, and super sweet and social. I also did the vaccines on or slightly delayed in schedule (my husband will only allow 1 new vaccine at a time so kids can get 1 new with one they have had without complications before).

Go in with a plan but be willing to adjust it as you need. If you are really set on NOT HAVING ANY PAIN MEDS, get yourself a great positive birthing coach -- if your husband isn't it -- find someone else or hire a doula. If you aren't set on it, give natural a try and be willing to do the epidural if you find you need it.

By the way, I puked during my c-section -- I think it was an emotional thing because I felt like I failed (now I know better) since I had to have it after having a regular birth. I was VERY UPSET. I have found very upset and anesthesia are not a good mix.

Congrats on your new pregnancy and I am so sorry for your prior losses.

How exciting to be pregnant! Congratulations!!!!

I had an epidural after 14 hours of labor and have zero regrets. I think it is a personal choice and most everyone I know who has gone natural or chose to have an epidural seemed pretty happy with their choice on both sides. I did not feel doped up or drugged, though couldn't move from the waist down so once I got it, I wasn't going anywhere! Which was fine...where was I going anyhow? Without the contraction pain, I felt more psychologically ready when the birth did take place and I was lucky because it only took 8 pushes before my son was born. It was still a 21 hour labor!

I didn't have any significant side effects and within 2 hours I was taking a shower by myself...I really wanted a shower bad!

My son was fine, no vacuum or tools necessary other than my pushing. I have heard that sometimes the epidural can have side effects if not administered correctly, but I got lucky. When they gave me the IV (I had to be induced) the nurse asked me how it felt and I thought it wasn't too bad. Then she said the epidural felt pretty much the same, which eased my fear. And she was right, it wasn't bad for me...I suspect the anesthesiologist was excellent so I was fortunate.

I will say that leading up to labor, I heard from many women urging me to do natural birth, and many women urging me to get the epidural. Seemed like there was pride in women who didn't get the epidural and pride in women who did. And after having my son, I also heard many strong views on many different mama-hood topics. What I have concluded in my short 9 months as a new mama is that you have to do what feels best for you and carry your decisions with confidence. What other people do is fine for them, but you are the one living in your mind and body so please just do what feels right for you. If you don't want to have pain, don't. If you want to try with the pain, do it. Just make sure it's your choice because giving birth is such a beautiful experience that it would be a shame to have it tainted with outside opinions that end up not feeling right for you.

sorry for your loss ..Honestly what ever you feel is best for both you and your child is what is best..When i had my DD i did get an epideral it did not work i felt everything anyway lol.Ive never heard of side effect as far as i was told from my specialist the epidural is 100% safe for the baby..Now their is a risk for the mother as far as bad reaction and very rare but they can hit a nerve and cause issues..I wish you the Best of luck!

What do I know about epidurals?

They're freaking AWESOME!

I had one with both of my deliveries. Fortunately the attending did mine (I met him during a spinal procedure for my cerclage and I asked him if he was present for my birth if he would do it...and he was THANK goodness!).

I liked it because I didn't spend hours upon hours laboring through contractions, getting exhausted and tired only to have to push after all of that without having the energy to do so. Once the baby was ready to be pushed out, I did feel more and it wasn't a picnic but at least I got to skip the dilation contractions.

So sorry to hear of your loss...
If you decide to not go with the epidural, you will be fine. I have given birth with an epidural and one without. My first childbirth I decided to go natural. Of course, I had been in alot of pain and ended up asking for one, but it was too late. I ended up giving birth without...and it was fine. The 2nd child I had one and the epidural was probably the best thing I ever did. But, just know if you choose to go without it, it is only a few hours out of your whole life that you have to suffer in pain and before you know it, it will all be over. You'll be fine!!! Good luck!

I had both my girls without any pain medication and I thought it was fabulous that after they were born I felt great, was able to take a shower shortly after the birth, and the recovery for me was much faster than if I had had an epidural. My doc was supportive but none of her partners were not (scornful was their prevailing attitude). I am a pediatrician so that didn't phase me.

I also had a Doula present for both births and that made all the difference - she was able to suggest strategies for pain relief that were very helpful throughout the process. I used a doula from Mothertree (in Portland).

I know that nurse midwives are generally more open to natural births - in retrospect, that might have been a better choice for me.

Good Luck!

D.

Here are a few things that helped me make a decision to go without pain medication:
- I wanted to go through childbirth consciously and experience everything involved, even the pain.
- I was pretty confident that I could handle it and that my body knew how to give birth.
- I had a very supportive midwife.
- I wanted to be able to move and take care of myself and my child after giving birth (often not entirely possible with an epi, you will definitely need help for a few hours after)
- I wanted to be able to leave the hopital the same day my daughter was born. That is not possible with an epidural.

I had a great unmedicated birth experience. It was painful, I won't lie, but I at no point thought that I could not do it. I was able to move freely during labor, I actually labored standing up for quite a while, which I believe helped keeping my labor short and being able to feel my daughter crowning and controlling the way I pushed helped avoid major tearing (I only experienced a tiny tear that was almost completly healed within 3 days).
I left the hospital the same day my baby was born, being able to take care of myself and her and spending our first night at home as I had hoped.

I give every woman who asks me about it the advice to at least give it a try.
It was very empowering to trust my body and overcome my fears.

I am sorry to hear of your previous loss - and am thrilled to hear that you are again expecting. I hope that this pregnancy is filled with joy and that the results will be wonderful for you!

I can't speak to the negative effects of an epidural, however, I have had two children - both completely natural. With my first child, I went in without much of a birthing plan (I kind of figured things would happen as they need to...which was absolutely the case). The only thing that I made clear to my husband was that if I said I wanted the epidural, then I meant it! I was not 100% against, I just wanted to try and see how things went. In my case, everything was fine, barely any pain (at least that I could remember even the next day!) With our second, the pain was a little more intense, but just as I was about to say I wanted the epidural...she was on her way out...again...I barely remember the pain.

I don't think that you should have any expectations that will make you upset if you change your mind (i.e. don't be 100% against the epidural - it may turn out that you want/need it...and you don't want/need to be upset with this decision while in labor or after!)

I've never understood why moms will go nine months without touching alcohol, cold medication, blue cheese or deli meat, but then on delivery day pump disabling drugs directly into their bloodstream!! It does have an effect on baby. Those born after epidurals routinely have lower Apgar scores and often take longer to nurse.

However, if you decide to do a drug-free delivery you must prepare yourself for how you will deal with the pain. I recommend relaxation devices. Husband-Coached Childbirth and Hypnobirthing both helped me have 4 exhilarating, empowering drug-free deliveries. Only knowing how to deal with the pain makes it so great. I can't imagine delivering without knowledge of whats happening and having a great supportive midwife and husband to coach you through.

Blessings on your delivery.