What are the disadvantages/risks of an epidural for labor?
• Higher incidence of “assisted deliveries” – Although the use of epidurals does not increase the rate of c-section, it does increase the possibility for an “assisted delivery” requiring the use of forceps or vacuum extraction to help deliver the baby. • Effects on blood pressure – The medications used in epidurals may cause a decrease in blood pressure. For this reason your blood pressure is routinely checked and may require treatment with IV fluids, medications, and oxygen. If you develop nausea or lightheadedness with your epidural, it may be a sign that your blood pressure requires evaluation and you should contact your nurse or physician immediately. • Headache – A postdural puncture headache (PDPH) or “spinal headache” can occur if the epidural needle is inadvertently inserted through the epidural space into dural area. The risk of accidental dural puncture occurs 1.5% of the time, but only half of these (0.75%) result in headache. A PDPH can occur as early as one day and as late
