“When is an epidural used?”
I'm going to have my baby naturally, and I want to avoid an epidural at all costs. Mainly because of all the side effect that I've been reading about. However, if I do decide to use an epidural during labor, at what point in time is it given?
6 Answers
It can be given pretty much at any time
During the mid labor or when the dilatation of your cervix will be 4-5 cm.
The epidural and is a patient choice. I prefer that labor is confirmed so ideally 4 cm the earliest to get an epidural, but when there are other signs like ruptured membranes I allow it even at 2-3 cm if the head is low, again if the patient requests it. Sometimes it is useful if the mother cannot relax and dilatation progressed slowly - the epidural can help. Many women prefer natural births and use IV medication like stadol or fentanyl as needed.
I'm not really sure what side effects you have been reading about and from where. Epidurals are very safe if administered by a qualified professional. The most common side effect is headaches and they occur 1 in 200. They help women to relax, and when you are relaxed, dilation and progression of labor usually is faster. I recommend you discuss epidurals with an anesthesiologist to get accurate information on the subject.
Epidural anesthesia is indicated when your pain gets unbearable usually in active labor (4-5 cm) or even prior to that. There is no reason not to take an epidural since side effects are minimal to negligible in the hands of an anesthesiologist who does 8-10 of these every day.
Good luck!
Good luck!
You can get an epidural any time. It truly depends on how dilated you are and how fast you are going. It also depends on anesthesia at your hospital.
