#epidural #childbirtheducation #birthprep #laborpainrelief
An epidural injection in labor is a common choice for pain relief for many women. An epidural birth is a very common birth. When choosing between a epidural birth vs natural birth you might want to consider the side effect of an epidural procedure. The most common side effect is a lowering of blood pressure quickly after the placement of the epidural needle and epidural anesthesia medication. In order to reduce the risk of this side effect of the epidural, IV fluids are usually given prior to the placement of the epidural.
One common question is whether the epidural needle stays in place during labor. The epidural needle does not stay in your back, instead a flexible epidural catether stays in place and pain medicine is continuously infused to provide relief throughout labor.
Another common question is whether the epidural has an effect on the baby. The epidural medication does not cross the placenta and research shows that it does not have a negative effect on the baby.
