Can everyone have intrathecal pain relief?
No. Intrathecal analgesia is not for all patients. You may not be a candidate for intrathecal analgesia if you: 1) are allergic to certain narcotics or local anesthetics, 2) have a nervous system (neurological) disease, 3) have a bleeding tendency or blood coagulation disorder, 4) take aspirin routinely, 5) have an infection in the lower back, 6) have a psychological disorder or a fear of needles, 7) have a spinal deformity, 8) cannot cooperate or get into a position to allow the anesthetic administration, 9) are too early in your labor, 10) are progressing too rapidly, or 11) have an abnormal labor or fetal monitoring pattern. It’s important that you be honest and open with your doctor and the anesthetist if you have any of these conditions.
