What are the risks of epidurals?
Some moms may have soreness in their lower back, similar to the soreness in your arm after receiving a flu shot. The blood pressure may decrease, leading to nausea. Occasionally, the epidural stops working or only partially relieves the pain; in this case, the Anesthesiologist will trouble-shoot the problem and consider replacing the epidural. The most common serious problem is a 1-3% risk of getting a headache. This usually appears within 24-48 hrs following delivery, and we have effective ways of treating it. Very serious risks of epidurals include bleeding or infection at the epidural site, or a nerve injury. These complications are very rare.
