Other Questions 20. What are the possible complications of epidural and spinal anesthesia?
• Infrequently, once the anesthetic takes effect, the mother s uterus contracts very hard. This may cause the baby s heart rate to decline briefly, but does not harm the baby. • Approximately one in every four hundred patients receiving spinal or epidural anesthesia gets a spinal headache. Spinal headaches usually start the day after the anesthetic. These headaches can be painful, but are not life threatening and can be treated. • On rare occasions, the epidural medication may go into a blood vessel. A very large dose could cause a loss of consciousness or a seizure. Small doses are normally used for labor. • Occasionally, the anesthetic can be too strong and breathing assistance may be required. • Very rarely, back or nerve damage can occur. • While extremely rare, major organ damage or death may result from any anesthetic. Other Questions If you have any more questions about anesthesia for labor and delivery, consult your obstetrician who can put you in touch with an anesthesiologist
