#Epidural after effects full

This is such a common occurrence that there’s a catchy term for it… “ Cascade of Interventions.”īy just choosing to get an epidural, you are also signing up for several other interventions like continuous fetal monitoring (boo!), an IV because fluids help reduce the chances of a blood pressure drop, frequent blood pressure monitoring, and in many cases, a catheter :(. Probably one of the biggest issues with epidurals is that it can set of a chain of more interventions. Why natural birth doesn’t mean no pain managementĮpidurals Can Create a Need for Other Interventions This has to change! Here is the truth about epidural side effects.Įpidurals can create a need for other interventions I wanted to write this post because I’ve heard from many moms who didn’t realize what they were signing up for when they requested the epidural. (And maybe even change their minds mid-labor, like I did :))

This post is about educating moms about the potential epidural side effects so they can make an empowered and informed choice. I understand why epidurals can be a real gift in labor, and I support any mom who feels she needs one or even medically may need one. I requested one myself during my very long and painful first birth but it was too late to get it. Please hear me: this post isn’t about judging or shaming moms who get epidurals. Rather than positioning epidurals as just a harmless pain reliever, doctors need to educate their patients about the risks and rewards so they can make informed choices.

#Epidural after effects full

But I don’t think most women get the full story about the true side effects of this intervention. Nearly 60% of mamas get an epidural during birth. It’s about avoiding the epidural side effects. Who wants to feel needless pain? (Not me!)īut for most of us, it’s not about the pain. Some say that the crunchy mamas of the world are crazy for not wanting an epidural during birth.