Risks of the epidural in childbirth

The pain of childbirth is a topic that has worried a lot of professionals related to the birth process. Throughout the history of modern obstetrics have used different drugs to relieve it (intravenous, inhaled ...) In them the one that has been shown to be more effective in relation to risk / benefi

However, it is not a technique free of risks or complications, since we should not forget that it involves the insertion of a needle and catheter in the epidural space (nervous system); through which we introduce different drugs that in turn can cause unwanted effects.

Contraindications to epidural anesthesia

So we find that the risks can derive both from the puncture itself, as well as from the effects of drugs in the body of the mother and the baby.

The complications that can appear cover a wide range, ranging from rare and potentially dangerous to very common.

Among the most frequent we can highlight the following:

- Hypotension of the mother: the lowering of blood pressure not only causes discomfort in the woman, but can even produce a bradycardia in the baby (which is called risk of loss of fetal well-being). It is usually managed by putting more intravenous fluids to the woman.

- Slowing down or stopping the delivery process: a very high percentage of women who opt for this type of analgesia will need the administration of intravenous oxytocin.

- Loss of ability to push: often the cancellation of pain, brings with it a loss in sensitivity. Women do not know where to direct their push, oruqe do not feel the pressure of the baby's head.

- Post-puncture headache (headaches). They usually manifest when the needle passes from the epidural to the intradural space and can last up to a week. It is advisable to drink water and lie down as long as possible. In some cases it is necessary to apply a blood patch.

- Loss of sensitivity in the bladder. Most women with epidurals will need intermittent bladder catheterization to empty the bladder during labor.

- Chills. They can be felt during labor and after labor.

- Pain in the area of the puncture. It is because the needle goes through several layers of muscle.

- Failures of epidural analgesia: the reason is not known, but in some women it has no effect, or analgesia may be lateralized (in such a way that the pain is concentrated mainly in the non-asleep area). The catheter is usually moved or the puncture is tried again.