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The Disadvantages of an Epidural

More than 50 percent of women ask for an epidural during delivery, according to the American Pregnancy Association. The purpose of an epidural is to provide localized pain relief as opposed to total anesthesia. An epidural works by blocking the nerve impulses in the lower segments of the spine. Although they are generally safe and quite effective, there are disadvantages associated with epidurals.

  1. Blood Pressure

    • An epidural can cause your blood pressure to drop suddenly. If you ask for an epidural, your blood pressure will need to be continually monitored to ensure your baby is getting adequate blood flow. If your blood pressure does drop, you may need to be treated with IV fluids, medication and oxygen.

    Headache

    • Less than 1 percent of women experience headaches after an epidural procedure due to leakage of spinal fluid. To fix the leak a "blood patch" is done. This is where doctors inject some of your blood into the epidural space.

    Labor and Delivery Difficulties

    • Epidurals can sometimes slow or even stop labor altogether. To keep things moving you will need to continually rotate from side to side. Most likely your nurse will monitor and help you with this process. Once delivery comes, some women report having difficulty pushing. If this occurs, doctors might administer Pitocin or may have to use forceps, vacuum extraction, or may need to perform a cesarean section.

    Uncomfortable Side Effects

    • Common side effects include ringing ears, shivering, backache, nausea, difficulty urinating, and soreness at the site where the needle was inserted. Your legs will also be numb for a few hours after delivery and you'll likely need assistance walking. And since you can't walk to the restroom, you'll need a catheter. Some women experience permanent nerve damage at the site where the catheter was inserted.

    Risks for the Baby

    • Research suggests that some babies whose mothers get epidurals will have trouble latching on during breastfeeding. Other studies suggest that fetal malpositioning, respiratory depression and a change in heart rate may result in the necessity of forceps, vacuum extraction or cesarean delivery.

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