Most women are familiar with the pain medication named epidural. Women who have gone through a delivery will be more than aware of it. The pain medication is very commonly given to pregnant women in labor to ease the pain of labor. Claim Your 20 Free Pregnancy Tests – Click Here
In short, it is a local anesthetic and works to block the impulses of the nerve so that you are relieved of the pain. When an epidural is injected, the sensation in your body’s lower half will go down significantly and giving birth will be easier. The medication is injected using a tube.
It is injected outside the membrane that surrounds your spine. While taking the injection it is very important to stay still. Any movements can be harmful to you and your baby.
One common question that expecting ladies ask is whether an epidural hurts. Many are reluctant about taking the medication because they think it will hurt a lot. The fact is that it will hurt more or less like a normal injection.
You will feel a pinching sensation, like a bee sting, when the medication is injected. This pain, when compared to labor, is insignificant. However, one thing to keep in mind is to not take epidural too close to delivery. You shouldn’t wait very long and the decision to take it should be made beforehand.
Last minute rush can cause you pain. The pain when epidural is injected does not last for more than a few seconds. After that, you will feel relief as the medication takes effect. Giving birth will be much easier then.
Before choosing to go for epidural though, you should consider the side effects associated with it and the risks. All medications come with side effects and thus, you should be careful. However, the side effects caused by an epidural are mild and will not harm your baby.
You will experience some side effects. They include shivering and itchy skin. In some cases, the spot where you were injected will hurt and urinating will be a problem. Mostly, you will be able to bear these side effects. If they become unbearable, go to your doctor for help.
Coming to the risks, you may experience bleeding or infection. These risks are usually eliminated with the use of an anesthetic wipe before giving you the injection. As aforementioned, it is important that you stay still during the administration.
For some women, pushing might become harder because of the epidural injection. Sometimes, your blood pressure may come down. The doctor will keep that in check throughout to be sure it doesn’t fluctuate dangerously.
As your due date approaches, it is ideal to learn as much as you can about epidural and the pain associated with it and labor, too. You should find out all the pain management options available to you so that you learn about each and make an informed decision.
Besides an epidural, breathing techniques and spinal block can help you overcome the pain considerably. Many women opt to deliver naturally, and so look toward breathing techniques, meditation or other relaxation methods to assist them during labor.
Predicting labor is impossible but being prepared is up to you completely. Understanding and knowledge are important here. Educate yourself.
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