The Ups And Downs Of This Method Of Spinal Anesthesia
To epi or not to epi? Here's a look at the ups and downs of this method of spinal anesthesia.
Chart from The American Society of Anesthesiologists
Benefits
Usually provides excellent pain relief
Small amount of medication is used, so you remain alert
Not very much medication reaches the baby
Safer than general anesthesia, if cesarean section is required
May provide inadequate or patchy pain relief
Necessitates immobility, precluding walking or other movement that may
help labor's progress
Decreased pushing urge and ability
Possible shivering, itching
Usually requires urinary catheterization
Requires continuous monitoring to detect complications and/or progress
Reduces experience of birth; mother becomes observer instead of full
participant Fever
Serious drop in blood pressure
Malpresentation or malposition
Since it may interfere with progress, increased need for Pitocin
Increased need for forceps and vacuum
Increased need for cesarean section
Severe postbirth headache
Long-term backache
Severe complications are very rare but include paralysis and death Medication crosses placenta
Septic workup and NICU care if maternal fever develops
Complications due to forceps, vacuum or cesarean section delivery
Respiratory depression
Increased likelihood of fetal distress due to mother's low blood
pressure
Short-term neurobehavioral changes, including irritability and
inconsolability
Benefits
Disadvantages
Risks to the mother
Risks to the baby
