What does Epidural involve?
You will first need an I/V drip and then asked to lie curled up on your side or sit bending forwards. Your back is cleaned and draped and a small injection of local anaesthetic is given into the skin so putting in an epidural should hardly hurt. A small tube is then put in your back near the nerves carrying pain from the uterus. It is very important to stay still during this procedure. The local anaesthetic is then injected by the anaesthetist as necessary or given as an infusion through a pump. Your Blood pressure will be checked regularly. The whole procedure may take up to 30 minutes and the onset of pain relief may take 15-20 minutes. Benefits: 1) Relatively safe and effective. 2) Minimal effect on maternal alertness. 3) Excellent analgesia and patient satisfaction. 4) Little effect on the Baby. 5) Allows earlier feeding and contact with the baby. Disadvantages: 1) Blood Pressure may fall but is easily and rapidly treated. 2) Incomplete pain relief, which may need some adjustments
