Epidural versus Natural Childbirth?
How do you decide about epidural versus natural childbirth?
The decision about epidural should depend on your personal beliefs and goals and then on how your labor is going. One way to think this through ahead of time is to consider how you have reacted in other situations. What is the greatest physical challenge that you have faced? If meeting challenges makes you feel good, natural childbirth may be for you. Women have given birth without drugs for millions of years -- you can do it too! And women who meet this challenge often find it to be the most empowering experience of their lives.
What is Epidural?
from Wikipedia:
The term epidural is often short for epidural anesthesia, a form of regional anesthesia involving injection of drugs through a catheter placed into the epidural space. The injection can cause both a loss of sensation (anaesthesia) and a loss of pain (analgesia), by blocking the transmission of pain signals through nerves in or near the spinal cord. What is the benefit of using Epidural during Childbirth?
- When the labor is prolonged, you are able to rest
- better childbirth experience because the pain is reduced.
- still the best pain control method in childbirth
- An epidural may allow help you to rest, relax, get focused and give you the strength to move forward as an active participant in your birth experience.
What is the disadvantages if you use Epidural?
- Sudden drop in blood pressure: Therefore, your blood pressure will be routinely checked to make sure there is adequate blood flow to your baby. If this happens you may need to be treated with IV fluids, medications, and oxygen
- Severe headache: You may experience a severe headache caused by leakage of spinal fluid. The epidural space in the adult lumbar spine is only 3-5mm deep, which means it is comparatively easy to cross it and accidentally puncture the dura (and arachnoid) with the needle. This may cause cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to leak out into the epidural space, which may in turn cause the post dural puncture headache (PDPH). This can be severe and last several days, and in some cases weeks or months. It is caused by a reduction in CSF pressure and is characterised by postural exacerbation when the patient raises their head above the lying position. If severe it may be successfully treated with a "blood patch" (a small amount of the patient's own blood given into the epidural space via another epidural needle). Most cases resolve spontaneously with time.
- Problem Breast Feeding: A 2006 study by the International Breastfeeding Journal concluded that mothers who received an epidural were more likely to experience problems breastfeeding during the first few days after delivery, possibly caused by the fentanyl component of epidurals.Woman who had an epidural containing the drug fentanyl were twice as likely to either not start breast-feeding or they ceased breastfeeding within the first 24 weeks, than women who did not have an epidural. The researchers postulated that as fentanyl crossed the placenta and into the baby it stopped the baby knowing how to instinctively feed.
- Back pain: back pain is occasionally reported after epidural insertion, and the epidural may be blamed. However, there is little evidence linking epidural insertion to back pain. In women who have recently given birth, the incidence of back pain in those who
Would Epidural reduce the woman's chances of having vaginal birth?
2. Conversely, a 2001 study by researchers at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and a 2002 study by researchers at Cornell University and the University of Ontario demonstrated that epidurals do not increase the likelihood of a caesarean section.
3. In 2005, a meta-analysis of 21 studies also showed that epidurals do not increase the likelihood of caesarean section, but they do increase the chance of a forceps or ventouse delivery by 40% (Anim-Somuah, Cochrane Review, 2005).
4. The COMET Study, published in The Lancet in 2001 (vol358, No9275 p19-23) showed that a combined spinal epidural in labour may speed up the labour process by a few minutes, although those women receiving an epidural had a caesarean rate of 28% and only 35% had a normal birth without instrument assisted delivery.
I would say using epidural will slightly reduce the chances of natural vaginal birth.
More information about Epidural vs Natural Childbirth
Please vote for the link that you think is a must read for pregnant woman
Epidural Anesthesia
Very easy reading that use more layman terms. The more...0 points
Epidural at Wikipedia
You can find facts and figure in this article. It more...0 points
Medical Risks of Epidural Anesthesia During Childbirth
Dr. Lewis Mehl-Madrona: epidural anesthesia has be more...0 points
News: A routine epidural turns deadly
Julie and Chris LeMoult were excited parents-to-be more...0 points
Natural Childbirth versus Epidural
A short article that argue on the topic0 points
Reported Side Effects of Epidural Anesthesia
Short description of all side effects of epidural.0 points
Thoughts on Epidural Versus Natural Childbirth
A short article that guide you to consider and mak more...0 points
Natural Childbirth
Discover if it's right for you and how to prepare more...0 points
The Labor Dispute: Epidural or Natural Childbirth?
Here's a guide to help you sort out the issue for more...0 points
Why Have Natural Childbirth?
A lengthy discussion. You can get some in depth ar more...0 points
Epidural Videos
The Best Childbirth Video
Please vote for the best must-watch childbirth video
Childbirth Books at Amazon
What to Expect When You're Expecting, Third Edition
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: (as of 10/07/2008)
List Price: $13.95
Used Price: $0.01
Hey! Who's Having This Baby Anyway?
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $15.96 (as of 10/07/2008)
List Price: $19.95
Used Price: $14.89
Usually ships in 24 hours
Spinal and Epidural Anesthesia
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $88.76 (as of 10/07/2008)
List Price: $110.95
Used Price: $74.14
Usually ships in 24 hours
Epidural Analgesia in Acute Pain Management
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $45.00 (as of 10/07/2008)
List Price: $45.00
Used Price: $23.99
Usually ships in 24 hours
Childbirth Del.icio.us bookmarks
Blog Posts from Google
New Guestbook
|
cbking
KCLau, 5 stars for your lens. Great job! My lens on hypnosis for childbirth can be a great complement for the info you provide here. Posted January 31, 2008 |
|
ank
Hi KCLau, great lens . I have also created my lens . This will give insight on How Eurostar booking can help the environment and also save you time with their high speed train services. To get more info Posted July 18, 2007 |
