Epidural Anesthesia for Labor: Is It Right for You?

Published at 11 November 2024

Are you about to give birth and considering a back needle for labor? Are you wondering about the safety and effectiveness of this simple procedure? Learn more about the back needle for labor (Epidural) in this article.

Epidural anesthesia for labor

A back needle for labor or an epidural injection, known as an epidural anesthesia, is a common method of pain relief during labor, with more than half of pregnant women requesting it by name more than any other method of pain relief. (1)(5)

Benefits of Epidural Injection for childbirth

The epidural anesthesia is commonly used to relieve pain during labor in cases of natural birth, it allows you to experience childbirth with less pain while remaining awake and alert. (1) It can also be used to provide anesthesia if a cesarean section is needed. It is important to note that the epidural does not increase the likelihood of needing a cesarean section; this decision depends on various other factors, including the baby's size, position, or slow progress of labor due to other issues. (5)(6)

Are There Risks to the Epidural Injection?

Epidural injections for labor are generally very safe with minimal health risks. However, there is a small risk of experiencing some temporary side effects, including: (3)

Sudden hypotension: Which may make you feel dizzy or nauseous. The decrease is usually temporary and mild, and doctors monitor your blood pressure closely during and after the back needle is given to control the dose as needed.
Temporary numbness in the lower half of your body: This numbness is usually only on one side of the body, and its severity varies from one woman to another.
Severe headache: It occurs in less than 1% of women and disappears within a few days by using analgesics and applying cold compresses to the head.
Temporary Urinary incontinence: You may need a catheter or urine bag.
Nerve Damage in Extremely Rare Cases: Estimated at 1 in 1,000 to 100,000 births and it is usually temporary, returning to normal within weeks to months. The likelihood of permanent damage is 1 in 24,000 to 50,000. (9)

Minor and temporary pain at the injection site after delivery: However, a back needle does not cause chronic back pain as rumors and myths say. (4) These pains may occur due to physical stress resulting from pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period, including unhealthy body posture, lifting and carrying the baby, lack of sleep, and hormonal changes. Be sure to consult a doctor if you feel any persistent pain after giving birth. (8)

How does the Epidural Injection work?

The back needle numbs the nerves that carry pain messages to your brain, which helps relieve pain during labor. (1)

Who Should Not Receive an Epidural Injection for labor?

If you have any of the following conditions, you may not be able to get a back needle: (2)

Insufficient cervical dilatation, which must be more than 4 centimeters.
Allergy to anesthetic medications.
Coagulation disorders.
Infection.
Poorly controlled diabetes (due to epidural steroid injections).

How is the Epidural Injection Administered for labor?

The Epidural Injection is Administered through the Following Steps: (3) (5)

Before labor begins and before the injection, you will be given IV fluids, which will continue throughout labor and delivery.
You will be asked to arch your back while lying on your left side or sitting.
The anesthesiologist will inject a local anesthetic into a small area in your lower back, near the nerves that carry pain messages to your brain. You may feel a temporary tingling or burning sensation within a few minutes.
The doctor will insert a needle into the anesthetized area and then place a small tube (catheter) through the needle into the epidural space. You will only feel some pressure.
The doctor then carefully removes the needle, leaving the catheter in place to provide continuous medication for the rest of your labor.
The anesthesiologist can control analgesia by adjusting the type and dose of medication.

When Does the Epidural Injection Start to Work?

You will begin to notice the numbing effect about 10 to 20 minutes after receiving the first dose of the medication. (5)

Is the Epidural Injection for labor Painful?

The epidural injection may cause some discomfort and tingling in the area where the back is numbed, and you might feel pressure when the catheter is placed. You may still feel contractions, but they should not be painful, and you will be able to push effectively. (6)

How Long Does the Effect of the Epidural Injection Last?

You will receive medication doses throughout labor and delivery, and even a little beyond, with the amount of medication administered through the catheter being adjusted as needed. After you stop receiving doses, pain relief typically lasts for a few hours. (4)

Does the Epidural Injection Affect My Baby?

The risks of the epidural injection affecting the baby are minimal. It may cause a slight decrease in the baby's heart rate due to a drop in the mother's blood pressure. This can usually be easily managed by administering IV fluids to the mother, changing her position to improve blood circulation, and possibly using medications. (7)

Are You Wondering About the Safety and Effectiveness of the Epidural Injection for labor?

Schedule an appointment today for a consultation with our expert doctors in the Women's Clinic at the Al-Ahli Hospital. From understanding the procedure itself to exploring its benefits and potential risks, they can provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about receiving an epidural based on your situation.