Things to consider for an epidural
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Be aware that the following information describes various complications that some readers may find disturbing. You may choose not to read all or parts of this section. |
Many women have epidurals for their Caesarean without any problems. Generally epidurals are relatively safe when performed by an experienced anaesthetist. When compared to a
general anaesthetic, they are regarded as safer for mother and baby and allow the woman to be awake and alert for the birth of her baby.
The following is a list of some of the possible risks and side effects that an epidural is capable of producing. This information is not designed to scare you, but to simply provide an awareness of what having an epidural can entail.
Low blood pressure
Shivers and shakes
Nausea and vomiting
Itchiness
Backache
Severe headache
Local anaesthetic in the vein
Effects on the baby
Slow breathing
Numbness and weakness
Infection
A total spinal
Other rare side effects
Low blood pressure
It is normal and expected that the woman's blood pressure will drop slightly lower after being given an epidural anaesthetic, particularly if 'local' types of medications are used. The medications relax and dilate blood vessels, lowering the woman's blood pressure as a consequence. At times the blood pressure can be lowered with varying degrees of severity, prompting health concerns for the mother and baby. The concerns are for the overall health of the woman and a reduced blood flow to the baby still inside the uterus. A significant lowering of the blood pressure is possible for up to 18% of women.
The woman will usually be given fluids through a drip in her vein before, during and after the insertion of the epidural in an effort to counteract this side effect.