Who Should Have an Epidural?
A woman who desires pain relief during labor should talk with her doctor about receiving an epidural block. Epidural block is the method of choice for many women because it is effective and safe for both mother and baby. In addition, epidurals result in total or near total pain relief without altering consciousness and orientation. Certain women should have epidural blocks for medical or obstetric reasons. These include women with the following potential problems: • a history of malignant hyperthermia (an adverse reaction to general anesthesia); • certain forms of heart and lung diseases; • treatment of autonomic hyperreflexia in women with a spinal cord injury; and • preeclampsia.
