Are there disadvantages and risks to an epidural or intrathecal injection?
All procedures carry risk. Epidurals may cause your blood pressure to decrease necessitating frequent blood pressure monitoring. If the blood pressure gets too low you may be treated with IV fluids, medications and oxygen. Once the epidural is placed you will need to remain in bed for the duration of labor. Some people experience nausea and vomiting or have generalized itching from the epidural. You may need a catheter to drain the bladder if you are unable to urinate. A spinal headache can occur in approximately 1% of people. Anytime the skin is broken there is a risk of infection, bleeding and nerve injury. Seizure and death have also occurred with epidural placement but these serious complications are very rare. When can an epidural NOT be used? The following is a list of general circumstances where epidural analgesia is contraindicated or not possible: • People with low platelet counts or taking blood thinners. • If there is a blood infection or a skin infection in the back. • If y
