Commonly Asked Questions About Obstetrical Anesthesia

Q: When can I get an epidural for labor pain?
A: The decision about when to administer the epidural is made by the attending obstetrician and the anesthesiologist after the progress of your labor has been evaluated. Individual practices vary greatly, but generally, a regular pattern of labor is desirable before administering an epidural.

Q: Will I be too numb to push when it is time for the baby to be delivered?
A: The epidural is given to relieve painful labor. Each patient has an individual sensitivity to the epidural and the anesthesiologist adjust the anesthetic to provide good pain relief with minimal muscle weakness. Many patients feel they can push better with an epidural because they have less pain and more control.

Q: Will I get a headache from an epidural or spinal?
A: it is unusual to et a headache from an epidural or spinal. Improved needle technology has resulted in were incidences of spinal headache. If headache does occur, it is usually treated before discharge.

Q: Can an epidural or spinal cause permanent muscle weakness or paralysis?
A: It is extremely rare to have any permanent muscle weakness or paralysis following an epidural or spinal.

Q: Will an epidural harm my baby?
A: An epidural has no direct ill effects on the baby. Although some of the medications crossover to the baby during labor, the amount is minimal and causes no clinically significant effect on the baby Sometimes the mother's blood pressure may decrease slightly following the epidural, but his is easily prevented and treated. epidurals have no effect on breast feeding, even after a Cesarean section.