I am a first time "pregant women"could anyone explain to me the all of this stuff?
2006-08-08 16:00:28 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Epidurals and labor medication has come a long way since the golden age of complete unconciousness during labor. However, they still hold the possibility of endagering the mother and baby. An actual epidural is an injection of pain medication into the epidermis, or thin layer in your spine. (a spinal tap goes directly into the spinal fluid itself~which is deeper) {please review links below}This medication is provided by an anesthesiologist during labor and can be benificial in allowing the laboring mother to rest.
The problems that can occur have been proven by the medical industry and should be considered when weighing your options with labor management.
Some problems can happen during labor, some can occur after the baby is born. The potential for the needle t opuncture the spinal cavity and enter into the spinal fluid is very possible, in which case the pain from that would be overwhelming, not to mention very unpreductive.
After labor, when the drugs wear off, there is the potential for spinal headaches. These are akin to migraines- and sadly most migraines are a result of an epidural.
Please understand that many many women have had babies with epidurals and have has little or no side effects from the procedure. The risk is still evident and when it comes down to the safety of you and your baby during labor- educating your self as best you can might be your only defense in protection from a potentially harmful procedure.
All my best,
2006-08-08 16:23:13 · answer #1 · answered by ajbabies3 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
An epidural procedure is where an Dr. gives you a local numbing medication in your back with a little needle, then pushes a dull needle into your back to the space just before your spinal cord...the needle threads a small catheter into that space, and the needle is then removed...the catherter gives you medication when you need it...with an epidural you will have a catherter inserted into your bladder as well...b/c the area is numbed in your back you do not feel any pain...I had an epidural (even after I found out what it is) and loved it...I still knew when to push...and I was confortable and relaxed...
2006-08-08 23:12:39 · answer #2 · answered by misst 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello...all I can say is that it's heaven on Earth!!!...I had to have a C-Section because my little girl was a breach...and the 9th month I got sciatica so bad I couldn't take it....but let me tell you OH MY GOD when they stuck the needle in my back (it was nothing)...I felt like this trickle of cold water going down my back....it was pleasant but weird..anyway..I also was very self conscious that I was going to have someone put a catheter in me..WELL...then my legs got warmer and they said it would do that all the way til mid stomach and then they can actually stop it like and invisible line....anyway I said OK so when are you going to to that God forsaken thing I fear the most (no not the cutting but that stupid catheter!)...they RN was funny..she said "I already did it"....it was then I realized I was numb and felt paralized...weird but painless ..I actually said to the Doctor.."Hey Doc can I have a 6-pack of this to go?!"...She knows I'm a little goofy...but don't fear....it was great and actually after that wore off and about 15 hours later when they took the catheter out I actually didn't want them to! I said "Oh man now this means I have to get up!!!"..I have my one and only child....Good luck...it's an awesome day!
2006-08-09 00:58:22 · answer #3 · answered by TWISTER 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
epidural is the best invention ever. i think i've heard it called a spinal tap too. i have also heard that if the epidural isn't inserted correctly, you can suffer permenant paralysis. i don't know of anyone this has happened to but it's probably worth researching on the web...
2006-08-08 23:07:32 · answer #4 · answered by Brina Vee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i know they sound really scary, but they are not as bad as they sound. the dr. will put a catheter in the fluid that surrounds your spinal cord. the medication numbs you from the waist down. you can still feel pressure, but not pain. trust me, by the time that you need the epidural, you contractions will be so bad that you won't even think about it being scary.
2006-08-08 23:07:41 · answer #5 · answered by redpeach_mi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
epidurals are a wonderfull invention
its an anesthisa injected into the spinal fluid to help numb or paralyize your lower half.
i had 2 epidurals. they dont hurt
2006-08-08 23:04:40 · answer #6 · answered by mommy2savannah51405 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a pain medicine is injected into your spinal cord, it's not too painful, giving birth is very painful without one.
good luck with your new baby!
2006-08-08 23:04:38 · answer #7 · answered by cging22 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋