WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS OF AN EPIDURAL?
Hypotension (low blood pressure) may occur. To prevent this, we give intravenous fluids and do not allow patients to lie perfectly flat after an epidural. If the blood pressure does fall, we correct if with medications that are safe for mother and baby. A less common complication is spinal puncture. This is not dangerous, but may cause headaches for a few days. If headaches are severe, a simple highly effective treatment procedure is available. Serious complications are rare. They include hemorrhage and infection in the epidural space, and injection of the local anesthetic solution into the blood stream or spinal fluid. We hope that this will help you in your planning. If you have any additional questions, please address them to your obstetrician or one of us. If you wish to talk with an anesthesiologist before your admission to the hospital, please contact us.
