Effects on the baby
Narcotic medications in an epidural are capable of being absorbed by the baby in the uterus. Depending on the amount and type used and how long the baby is exposed to the medication before the birth, it has the potential to make the baby lethargic and reluctant to feed in the days following the birth. There is some current research that also links this behaviour to blood chemistry in the baby after periods of low blood pressure in the mother.
Slow breathing
On rare occasions the woman's breathing can be slowed by the narcotic medications used in the epidural (known as 'respiratory depression'). Adults will normally breathe at a rate of about 20 breaths per minute when resting. With respiratory depression, the rate can lower to less than 8 breaths per minute. The concern is that the mother (and baby) are not obtaining adequate oxygen. In this circumstance the mother would be given oxygen via a mask and usually an injection of a drug to reverse the effects of the narcotics (called naloxone or 'Narcan').
Numbness and weakness
About 1:3000 women will experience temporary areas of numbness or weakness in the lower limbs, possibly including reduced control of the bladder and bowel. This can sometimes be attributed to the epidural. Up to 99% of these injuries will resolve on their own in 3 to 6 months. Occasionally it will be longer term. Your caregiver may refer you to a neurologist (a doctor who specialises in the nervous system of the body) for follow up care. Some women will use acupuncture to stimulate the nerves to heal more rapidly.
Infection
As with any procedure that breaks the body's skin and comes in contact internal organs, there is always the possibility that an infection can develop. This is a rare complication but can cause serious side effects and has the potential to be life threatening.
The signs of an infection after an epidural can include: