There are different methods to relieve labour pain and the effectiveness varies among individuals.
You know for sure that your tolerance for pain is at the ultimate low. Yet, the idea of a ‘drugged’ labour makes you uncomfortable. Here, we’ll address the common concerns you might have and hope it will help put your mind at ease.
Common Concerns
If I inhale too much gas, will I become unconscious?
Theoretically this may occur but only for a transient period. When you are drowsy, you will not be able to inhale more gas and hence, the drowsiness will wear off.
Will an epidural hurt my spinal cord?
The procedure is performed by well-trained anaesthesiologists at your lower back region, below the end of your spinal cord. Therefore, the chance of causing damage to it is very unlikely.
Will an epidural cause any backache?
Backache is common after giving birth whether you have epidural analgesia or not. However, you may experience some tenderness over the injection site for a day or two, but this is self-limiting.
People have told me that an epidural will prolong labour, is that true?
With lower concentration of drugs, modern obstetric epidural anaesthesia can shorten the 1st stage of labour, and although it may sometimes prolong the 2nd stage of labour, the extended duration is not significant.
When will I regain sensation in my legs after an epidural?
This depends on the type and concentration of local anaesthetics you have received. Usually after delivery, the plastic tube will be removed from your back, and sensation should return to normal within a few hours.
When can I ask for an epidural?
The decision rests on the mother’s pain threshold. If it is requested during labour, the evidence doctors have does not provide a compelling reason why this should be refused.
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