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Mums: Would You Consider An Epidural? - Health - Nairaland

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Mums: Would You Consider An Epidural? by Nobody: 8:02am On Nov 02, 2014
Disclaimer:
1. I am not that woman who believesa woman must suffer and suffer before she earns a " sweet mother or real woman" invisible certificate. If you want to come and preach " do it the natural way how our mothers did it lazy modern day women" I advice that you never buy packed meat instead go and hunt for animals, skin then, clean them as your own fore fathers did, till then shift make i see road.

2. This isnt for those women who want to prove " i am better than all other women because they had CS or an epidural, women who use technology to make their lives easier are not real women" abeg park for corner, go and hand wash jeans.

3. This is for those who used epidural or are considering using epidural. To discuss the merits, demerits and possible side effects. I have been reading up on it, read some womens experiences and the medical view point. Here are my findings:

An epidural provides a route for very effective pain relief that can be used throughout your labor.
The anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist can control the effects by adjusting the type, amount, and strength of the medication. This is important because as your labor progresses and your baby moves farther down into your birth canal, the dose you've been getting might no longer cover the pain, or you might suddenly have pain in a different area.
Since the effect of the medication is localized, you'll be awake and alert during labor and birth. And, because you're pain-free, you can rest if you want (or even sleep!) as your cervix dilates. As a result, you may have more energy when it comes time to push.
Unlike with systemic narcotics, only a tiny amount of medication reaches your baby.
Once the epidural's in place, it can be used to provide anesthesia if you need a c-section or if you're having your tubes tied after delivery.
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You have to stay in an awkward position for ten to 15 minutes while the epidural is put in, and then wait another five to 20 minutes before the medication takes full effect. This may seem like a minor inconvenience, though, when the tradeoff is hours of pain relief.
Depending on the type and amount of medication you're getting, you may lose some sensation in your legs and be unable to stand. Sometimes, particularly in early labor, so little anesthetic is needed to make you comfortable that you have normal strength and sensation in your legs and can move around without difficulty. (This is called a "walking epidural."wink Still, many practitioners and hospitals won't allow you to get out of bed once you've had an epidural, whether you think you can walk or not.
An epidural requires that you have an IV, frequent blood pressure monitoring, and continuous fetal monitoring.
An epidural often makes the pushing stage of labor longer. The loss of sensation in your lower body weakens your bearing-down reflex, which can make it harder for you to push your baby out.

You may want to have the epidural dose lowered while you're pushing so you can participate more actively in your baby's delivery – but it may take time for the pain medication to wear off enough that you can feel what you're doing, and there's no evidence that reducing the epidural dose actually shortens this stage of labor.
Having an epidural makes it more likely that you'll have a vacuum extraction or forceps delivery, which in turn increases your risk for serious lacerations. The assistance of a vacuum or forceps also increases the risk of bruising for your baby. (The risks of more serious problems for your baby are relatively low.)
In some cases, an epidural provides spotty pain relief. This can happen because of variations in anatomy from one woman to the next or if the medication doesn't manage to bathe all of your spinal nerves as it spreads through your epidural space.

The catheter can also "drift" slightly, making pain relief spotty after starting out fine. (If you notice that you're starting to have pain in certain places, ask for the anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist to be paged so your dose can be adjusted or your catheter reinserted.)
The drugs used in your epidural may temporarily lower your blood pressure, reducing blood flow to your baby, which in turn slows his heart rate. (This is treated with fluids and sometimes medication.)
Narcotics delivered through an epidural can cause itchiness, particularly in your face. They may also bring on nausea – though this is less likely with an epidural than from systemic medication, and some women feel nauseated and throw up during labor even without pain medication.
Anesthetics delivered through an epidural can make it more difficult to tell when you need to pee. Also, if you can't pee into a bedpan, which for many people is harder than letting go on a toilet, you may need to be catheterized (have a catheter inserted into your urethra).
An epidural raises your risk of running a fever in labor. No one knows exactly why this happens, but one theory is that you pant and sweat less (because you're not in pain), so it's harder for your body to give off the heat generated by labor.

It doesn't boost your or your baby's odds of getting an infection – but since it's unclear at first whether the fever is from the epidural or from an infection, you and your baby could wind up getting unnecessary antibiotics.
Epidurals are associated with a higher rate of babies in the posterior or "face-up" position at delivery. Women whose babies are face-up have longer labors, tend to need Pitocin more often, and have a significantly higher rate of c-sections.

(There's controversy, though, over whether having an epidural actually contributes to babies ending up in this position – because the pelvic floor is relaxed – or whether women whose babies are in the posterior position have more painful labors and so request epidurals more often.)
In 1 in 100 women, an epidural causes a bad headache that may last for days. This is caused by a leakage of spinal fluid. (You can reduce the risk of headache by lying as still as possible while the needle is being placed.)
In very rare cases, an epidural affects your breathing, and in extremely rare cases it causes nerve injury or infection.
Will an epidural affect my newborn?

The most recent studies suggest that an epidural does not have a negative effect on a newborn (as measured by his Apgar score, an evaluation routinely done immediately following birth). In fact, some studies show that babies whose moms had epidurals had better Apgar scores than babies whose moms had prolonged labors without the relief of an epidural.

Whether or not an epidural affects a baby's ability to breastfeed immediately following birth remains controversial. Some experts suggest that the baby may have trouble latching on if the mother had an epidural. Others believe there are no good studies on which to base this conclusion.

We do know that any effects of an epidural on newborn behavior are much less than the effects of systemic narcotics.

Can anyone have an epidural?

Not all women are good candidates for this kind of pain relief. You won't be able to have an epidural if you have abnormally low blood pressure (because of bleeding or other problems), a bleeding disorder, a blood infection, a skin infection on the lower back where the needle would enter, or if you've had a previous allergic reaction to local anesthetics. Women taking specific blood-thinning medications can't have this kind of pain relief, either.

Some women who have used epidural :had an epidural. It took all the pain away. I was 7 cm and thought I was going to die until the epidural. The nurse let me hold her while the Dr put it in. It was really comforting. I felt the pressure when it was time to push. I have an intense fear...phobia of needles so when it was time for the epi THAT was actually the biggest thing to overcome. These days my braxton hicks are more painful than my first childbirth. I was pretty pleased. Postnatally, my biggest annoyance was all the bloodloss. I was also in a bit of pain when epi tapered off. The epidural was my best friend. I love you, epidural. I never had any back pain...then or now. Just the episiotomy for six weeks kinda hurt.Honestly the contractions are way worse than the needle. The epidural is just a quick small poke. The contractions can go on for hours. Personally id go for the epidural if you can. Wait to take it until you really cant handle the pain anymore. The epidural was a life saver for me. It helped me relax and get some rest so i could be ready to push. After I got it I couldnt feel a thing which was great! All you feel is a tiny bit of pressure when you start pushing. But the epidural doesnt work for everyone so just keep that in mind!
Copied from baby center.com

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Re: Mums: Would You Consider An Epidural? by Splendblex(f): 10:09am On Nov 02, 2014
Yes, I will consider if the pain no get part two. What I hate about delivery is that episiotomy.
I wish there is something they can do to enlarge the vee-jay jay apart from tearing it up.Lol

13 Likes

Re: Mums: Would You Consider An Epidural? by rebella(f): 11:35am On Nov 02, 2014
Thanks aisha2 for this, I've been reading up on the pros and cons of epidural and its definitely something I would consider, but I will wait till the pain becomes unbearable before asking for it to be administered.
Re: Mums: Would You Consider An Epidural? by Nobody: 11:39am On Nov 02, 2014
rebella:
Thanks aisha2 for this, I've been reading up on the pros and cons of epidural and its definitely something I would consider, but I will wait till the pain becomes unbearable before asking for it to be administered.

My dear sister, have been researching it so much, definately an option. In my line of work I have seen too many cases of maternal mortality, post partum depression resulting from pro longed labour etc, if science has made it easier am definately willing to explore.

3 Likes

Re: Mums: Would You Consider An Epidural? by rebella(f): 11:47am On Nov 02, 2014
aisha2:


My dear sister, have been researching it so much, definately an option. In my line of work I have seen too many cases of maternal mortality, post partum depression resulting from pro longed labour etc, if science has made it easier am definately willing to explore.
I believe everyone should consider the epidural angle, I have heard of cases whereby the mother has had a prolonged labour and for one reason or the other has refused CS and ended up with serious medical complications or even death to both mother and child because she is too weak to push.
Re: Mums: Would You Consider An Epidural? by LewsTherin: 11:57am On Nov 02, 2014
aisha2:
Disclaimer:
If you want to come and preach " do it the natural way how our mothers did it lazy modern day women" I advice that you never buy packed meat instead go and hunt for animals, skin then, clean them as your own fore fathers did, till then shift make i see road.

This is precious!

Wanted my Lady to get an epidural but the doc adviced against it. I really couldn't bare to see her in such pain. It was terrible for me!

I'm all for any tech development that makes life that bit easier. Anyone who don't like it, bridges are still plenty in Lagos. Choose one and jump off!

If at all we decide to have another child, she gonna get a c-section on the morning of her EDD. No time for no time!

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Re: Mums: Would You Consider An Epidural? by Nobody: 11:59am On Nov 02, 2014
Hehehehee!
Something is brewing! cheesy
Aisha2 congrats o!
This one u dey busy dey explore cheesy
I love such exploration biko kiss


Ok, topic.
Epidural?
Wetin e bi?
I no dey for pushing ministry at all.
Blank out and wake up all cleaned up is my style.
Abeg d pain wey i suffer for misca if i hv my way will never go tru such again in my life.

And some mofolofo will come here to say labour pain is .....

2 Likes 1 Share

Re: Mums: Would You Consider An Epidural? by Nobody: 12:26pm On Nov 02, 2014
moca:
Hehehehee!
Something is brewing! cheesy
Aisha2 congrats o!
This one u dey busy dey explore cheesy
I love such exploration biko kiss
Ok, topic.
Epidural?
Wetin e bi?
I no dey for pushing ministry at all.
Blank out and wake up all cleaned up is my style.
Abeg d pain wey i suffer for misca if i hv my way will never go tru such again in my life.
And some mofolofo will come here to say labour pain is .....

Lmao @ wake up and clean up. Well done jare.
Person no fit research again? Congrats ke?

LewsTherin:

This is precious!
Wanted my Lady to get an epidural but the doc adviced against it. I really couldn't bare to see her in such pain. It was terrible for me!
I'm all for any tech development that makes life that bit easier. Anyone who don't like it, bridges are still plenty in Lagos. Choose one and jump off!
If at all we decide to have another child, she gonna get a c-section on the morning of her EDD. No time for no time!


I gbadun you jare correct husband. You dey think like my husband, him no even want one minute of stress at all

1 Like 1 Share

Re: Mums: Would You Consider An Epidural? by Nobody: 12:47pm On Nov 02, 2014
I've not only considered it, I'm opting for it. I've very low threshold for pain. Even menstrual pain makes me go bunkers.

I'm aware of the side effects of epidural and have decided to ask the anaesthesiologist to lower the dosage so I don't have too prolonged pushing time. I also don't want to be torn badly in the process so will rather opt for a clean episiotomy.

Then again, taking epidural largely depends on how fast/slow the patient is dilating and how much pain the patient is in. Epidural is usually indicated for a long and painful labour. If one is already 7cm dilated on getting to the hospital, most Drs won't bother administering epidural.

Hmmnn. . . To be a woman. . .

4 Likes

Re: Mums: Would You Consider An Epidural? by Nobody: 12:56pm On Nov 02, 2014
Aish2, let me agree o cheesy
I lv ur hubby, see as lewis dey think ahead for his wifey kiss
Eww, may God bless such darlings kiss

Phema, u nefa waka?(Surprised?)
Wetin u still dey do hia? cheesy
Wishing u d best sweetie kiss
From my heart.
I just cant wait.
Re: Mums: Would You Consider An Epidural? by kandiikane(m): 12:58pm On Nov 02, 2014
No because I will be having a water birth.
Re: Mums: Would You Consider An Epidural? by Nobody: 1:00pm On Nov 02, 2014
Ok, make i use fear agree aisha2 cheesy

Phema, nne, very soon, viiaaam!
I wish u safe journey,delivery and very healthy baby plus including u my dear.
Cant wait to hear d news.
Re: Mums: Would You Consider An Epidural? by stalyf(m): 1:00pm On Nov 02, 2014
X

1 Like

Re: Mums: Would You Consider An Epidural? by mcdokwe(m): 1:01pm On Nov 02, 2014
No. My sweetheart did a research on its use during her pregnancy, while it ensures there are no labour pains, it takes away the flair of childbirth. Besides its administration is said to be a specialist area and could go severely wrong. She told me, I can't really say I know.

1 Like

Re: Mums: Would You Consider An Epidural? by joedejana(m): 1:02pm On Nov 02, 2014
[size=13pt]Wrong section for the Chinese to book space[/size] undecided
Re: Mums: Would You Consider An Epidural? by Iykebestbt(m): 1:02pm On Nov 02, 2014
it says mums only...niqqas be posting where they are not wanted since 1902....anyway am culpable too

7 Likes

Re: Mums: Would You Consider An Epidural? by Ojestas(m): 1:02pm On Nov 02, 2014
I just dey buy lands,, i no put house on top. . SPACE BOOKED
Re: Mums: Would You Consider An Epidural? by Blackchampion(m): 1:03pm On Nov 02, 2014
Ladies thread
Re: Mums: Would You Consider An Epidural? by Alenkakent(m): 1:04pm On Nov 02, 2014
Blank
Re: Mums: Would You Consider An Epidural? by pekeyim: 1:05pm On Nov 02, 2014
A nice perspective and more or less a personal one too
Re: Mums: Would You Consider An Epidural? by Nobody: 1:05pm On Nov 02, 2014
moca:
Phema, u nefa waka?(Surprised?)
Wetin u still dey do hia? cheesy
Wishing u d best sweetie kiss
From my heart.
I just cant wait.

YPP right? Playing CIA on me huh? grin
Anam aga in a few weeks. Goodnews shall be our portion. It will surely end in praise. Amen. kiss

3 Likes

Re: Mums: Would You Consider An Epidural? by pekeyim: 1:05pm On Nov 02, 2014
Wow seriously b
Re: Mums: Would You Consider An Epidural? by mrphysics(m): 1:07pm On Nov 02, 2014
this text is too long. my joke of the week:
mad man: i want to marry linda ikeji.
Normal man: thats why u r a mad man

2 Likes

Re: Mums: Would You Consider An Epidural? by chinex276(m): 1:07pm On Nov 02, 2014
Wat d hell is an epidural?
Re: Mums: Would You Consider An Epidural? by VocalWalls: 1:07pm On Nov 02, 2014
Reading


Wow... shocked shocked

I bow.

Re: Mums: Would You Consider An Epidural? by Ijawboi(m): 1:08pm On Nov 02, 2014
So science don make labour easier and some women still dey talk say dem wan wait till the pain become unbearable.







#IGiveUp

8 Likes

Re: Mums: Would You Consider An Epidural? by parrotibaba(m): 1:08pm On Nov 02, 2014
NLanders booking space since Ifa received his first goat sacrifice
Re: Mums: Would You Consider An Epidural? by free2ryhme: 1:08pm On Nov 02, 2014
WoMen are becomIng More aware and there is nothing wrong in this approach to child birth.

2 Likes

Re: Mums: Would You Consider An Epidural? by eightsin(m): 1:10pm On Nov 02, 2014
I was here... learning never ends. cool
Re: Mums: Would You Consider An Epidural? by Nobody: 1:10pm On Nov 02, 2014
*still reading *












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