I heard that if you have a tattoo on your lower back, you can't get an epidural. (something about the epidural reacting with the ink from the tattoo)
Is this true?
2006-11-12 09:51:16 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
No, it isn't true. Most pregnant women who have lower back tattoos can receive epidurals. The exception would be if the tattoo covers a large area and is still "fresh" — meaning the involved skin is still healing. Actually, very few studies have looked at the risks of epidurals in women with lower back tattoos. But there is no conclusive evidence of any adverse effects, such an increased risk of an infection.
Most anesthesiologists will give an epidural block to a woman with a lower back tattoo. However, they may try to avoid placing the needle through the tattoo to avoid a small scar that may disfigure the tattoo. If possible, the anesthesiologist will choose nontattooed skin through which to insert the needle.
If you have questions or concerns regarding your ability to get an epidural due to a back tattoo, consult your doctor.
2006-11-12 09:57:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Not true. I had my son 7 weeks ago and I had an epidural. I have a medium sized tattoo right in my lower back and they didnt even mention it being there, let alone that I couldnt have the Epi.
My advice is get in there, see how you are going pain wise, if you want/need the Epi then ask for it and you'll get it.
Its a much more relaxed experience with the Epi than trying to play Superwoman to get through the pains alone.
Each to their own, we are all different.
Good Luck with it all xoxo
2006-11-12 19:58:32 · answer #2 · answered by dani_the_cheeky_monkey 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hey there...i dont think that that is true, but if you are thinking of having an epidural and you want to know some risks that you might not be aware of then i would love for you to e-mail me. I am in nursing school right now and i was astonished about how dangerous epidurals can be...just offering my knowledge...
2006-11-12 18:06:33 · answer #3 · answered by santacruzhippie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sort of true. The anaesthesiologist in the prenatal class I took said that it makes it harder for them sometimes. But I don't think they would stay away from giving epidural just because there's a tattoo.
2006-11-12 18:16:33 · answer #4 · answered by mrs.izabel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no it is not true. i had my epidural in about the middle of my back. But tattoos dont matter. I had 3 on my back when i was in labor and i still got one.
2006-11-12 17:54:43 · answer #5 · answered by Hydimyangel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I asked my ob about that because I am getting one before my next baby and he said that is not true except MAYBE if its a brand new tattoo they may not want to put the needle through there. But he said they do it all of the time and its never a problem. Hope that helps. Good luck.
2006-11-12 18:59:36 · answer #6 · answered by addisonsmom17 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An epidural goes into your spine...it has no effect on the skin. You should be fine.
2006-11-12 18:09:46 · answer #7 · answered by indiebaptist 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is false information. A totoo has nothing to do with your epidural.
2006-11-12 17:59:52 · answer #8 · answered by kim_in_craig 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have NEVER heard this but then again i am not a doctor. maybe you can call the anesthesiologist at the hospital, he should know!
2006-11-12 17:56:33 · answer #9 · answered by young_mommy_of_two 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not true, they did it on Mythbusters.
2006-11-12 17:53:24 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋