Pregnancy: Pain Relief Options for Birth (cont.)
Will I Feel Anything?
Although you will feel significant pain relief, you may still feel mild pressure from your contractions. You may also feel pressure when your health care provider examines you.
Will I Have to Stay In Bed After Regional Anesthesia?
Not necessarily. Your anesthesiologist can tailor the anesthesia to allow you to sit in a lounge chair or walk. Walking or sitting may even help your progress in labor. If you are interested, ask your anesthesiologist about a "walking epidural." Keep in mind, however, that your personal labor situation may not allow this type of epidural.
Will Regional Anesthesia Slow My Labor?
In some women, contractions may slow after regional anesthesia for a short period of time. Most women find that regional anesthesia helps them to relax and actually improves their contraction pattern while allowing them to rest.
If I Have Regional Anesthesia, Will I Be Able to Push?
Yes. Regional anesthesia allows you to rest comfortably while your cervix dilates. It should not affect your ability to push; instead, it will make pushing more comfortable for you.
Are There Any Side Effects to Regional Anesthesia?
Your anesthesiologist takes special precautions to prevent complications. Although complications are rare, some side effects may include:
- Decreased blood pressure. You will receive intravenous fluids and your blood pressure will be carefully monitored and treated to prevent this from happening.
- Mild itching during labor. If itching becomes bothersome, your anesthesiologist can treat it.
- Headache. Drinking fluids and taking pain tablets can help relieve headaches after regional anesthesia. If the headache persists, tell your anesthesiologist and additional medication can be ordered for you.
- Local anesthetic reaction. While local anesthetic reactions are rare, they can be serious. Be sure to tell your anesthesiologist if you become dizzy or develop ringing in your ears so that he or she can quickly treat the problem.
Reviewed by The Cleveland Clinic Birthing Services and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Edited by Charlotte E. Grayson, MD, April 2004, WebMD.
Portions of this page copyright © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2004
Last Editorial Review: 1/31/2005 8:09:52 AM
- C-Section (Cesarean Birth) - Learn about C-section (cesarean birth) options, and reasons for a C-section delivery including multible births, health problems, problems with the pelvis, placenta, or umbilical cord.
- Pregnancy (Stages - Trimesters of Pregnancy) - Learn what to expect during the three phases of pregnancy (1st, 2nd, 3rd trimester). Find out what changes in your body to expect, and how your baby will develop week by week.
- Episiotomy - Learn about episiotomy procedure where an incision is made between the vagina and anus to assist in vaginal birth. Complications, risks, and frequency of episiotomy are discussed in the information.
Latest Medical News
Pregnancy RSS