Mine is not that large.
2007-08-21 08:26:03 · 15 answers · asked by ♥ 4 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 pregnant 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 a lower back tattoo and have questions or concerns regarding your ability to get an epidural, consult your doctor.
Best wishes to you & your baby...
2007-08-21 08:42:17 · answer #1 · answered by Aimee 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I recently read an article on this. Although in most cases a tattoo on the lower back will not hinder an epidural, there are some doctors who wont do it or are hesitant to do it for various reasons. Some tattoos can make it more difficult for them to see what they are doing with the big needle and they don't feel confident inserting the needle when they cant tell the right spot to insert it. Some are worried about getting sued if the tattoo is damaged. It sounds silly, I know, but doctors policies differ on this one. If you are worried, ask your doctor if he thinks it will be a problem. The gist I got from the article was that most doctors will give an epidural through a tattoo.
2007-08-21 08:35:41 · answer #2 · answered by kittiesandsparklelythings 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, having a tattoo has nothing to do with how they administer the epidural. I have had 2 kids with 2 epidurals (they are the best!) and I do have several tattoos, one of which is on my lower back. They went right through it to do the epidural. Myself and both my boys are happy and healthy.
As far as not being able to see where to put the epidural, Duh! The anesthesiologist does it and he feels your spine to determine where to go. Good luck, and congrats!
2007-08-21 08:38:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have two tattoos on my lower back too and had an epidural. Hope it all works out for you too!
2007-08-21 08:37:51 · answer #4 · answered by hope i can help 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i have two good size tattoos on my back! i have one that goes down the center of my back and the other goes across the lower part. i had an epidural both times i went into labor!!
2007-08-21 08:36:01 · answer #5 · answered by luvkolin 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i got offered a epidural on my lower back its quite small and i wanted an epidural but was to far gone in labour to get one they were going to give me one an inch or two above the tattoo apparantly its ok never got one though cause was to far dilated in labour
2007-08-21 08:37:41 · answer #6 · answered by shannonhf05 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
um I sure hope that's not true cuz I have a tattoo there and was planning on getting an epidural
2007-08-21 08:31:46 · answer #7 · answered by Olivia's Mama 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the epidural is not going to effect your tattoo, and the tattoo will not effect the epidural, anyway the epidural is giving up further
2007-08-21 08:34:25 · answer #8 · answered by walmartshopper 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it depends on where the tattoo is. my sister in law has on but its not very large and she got an epidural. im pretty sure you need to talk to your doctor about this!
2007-08-21 08:32:10 · answer #9 · answered by Teri 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh my, I hope not! I have a small one right in the middle of my lower back!!! I have never heard that. I have had a spinal tap and a blood patch which goes into your lower spine, and they never mentioned anything then. I have never heard that and don't think it's true. I'm not sure, good question though!
2007-08-21 08:44:10 · answer #10 · answered by Roz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋