An epidural is a type of pain management that, although it is most typically used for the control of childbirth pains, has also been used to assist in the management of chronic pain and to offer pain relief during certain surgical operations (via Cleveland Clinic). The epidural space, which is the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord, is the area that will be treated during this treatment. When an anesthetic is administered into the epidural area, it numbs the nerves, preventing the transmission of pain signals.
According to the Birth Injury Help Center, giving birth is one of the most difficult experiences a person can go through. Consequently, epidurals are utilized in more than 71 percent of births throughout the United States to control labor pain.
One of the benefits of having an epidural is that it numbs just the lower half of the body, which allows the birthing parent to maintain consciousness and awareness during the labor and delivery process.
Additionally, it is beneficial in the event of a crisis. Because the lower body has already been anesthetized, if the labor takes an unexpected turn and the doctor has to perform a C-section as soon as possible, he or she will be able to do so instantly.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, epidurals are generally safe for these reasons. On the other hand, prospective parents should be warned that adverse consequences are possible.
RELATED: Emergency & Scheduled C-Sections: What You Need To Know
Due to the drug, some more typical adverse reactions to epidurals include feeling sick, throwing up, and having itchy skin. This information comes from Healthline. Those who have an epidural during childbirth are more likely to develop a fever than those who do not receive one; those who do not receive an epidural are only seven percent likely to develop a temperature during labor and delivery.
In addition, a study conducted in 2006 by the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care revealed that one-fourth of individuals who were given epidurals had a dip in their blood pressure. Still, it was not to a worrisome degree.
According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, in more extreme circumstances, the membrane surrounding the spinal cord might mistakenly be perforated during the treatment, resulting in a severe headache. This is one of the risks associated with spinal procedures.
In certain instances, when oral pain medication is insufficient, your doctor may recommend a blood patch operation, in which the patient’s blood is injected into the region to cover the hole produced by the puncture. This procedure is often called a “blood plug” (via Jefferson Radiology).
RELATED: 3 Tips To Prep Your Mind & Body For Childbirth
Occasionally, an epidural may lead to some extremely significant consequences, but they are quite uncommon (via Cleveland Clinic). One of these consequences is an injury to the nerve root or spinal cord, both of which may lead to troubles with the nervous system.
According to the National Health Service, this nerve injury may lead the patient to lose sensation or even the ability to move their lower body; however, it’s more normal for the damage to be restricted to numbness in a small region and to cure up within a few months at most. If you are still feeling numb after your epidural is meant to have worn off, you need to let your anesthesiologist know about it.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, there have also been cases of nerve damage that does not heal or, even more gravely, paralysis due to an epidural. This is a very significant side effect.
However, the UT Southwestern Medical Center reports that paralysis or permanent damage is very uncommon, happening in fewer than one patient in every 240,000 who get the procedure.
If, on the other hand, you are apprehensive about receiving an epidural, whether during childbirth or for another operation, you must take the time to chat with your doctor about your worries and figure out what would make you feel the most at ease.
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