You must have heard about Epidural, It is mostly used by pregnant women to alleviate pregnancy pain during labour, If you want to learn more about this continue reading this article.
- What Is an Epidural?
- When may an epidural be administered?
- Is the baby delivered immediately after the epidural or does it take longer?
- How is an epidural given?
- Are epidurals a safe procedure?
- What is the cost of an epidural at a Nigerian medical facility?
- Does having an epidural hurt at all?
- Is the use of epidurals during childbirth safe?
What Is an Epidural?
In order to alleviate discomfort in a particular area of the body, an epidural is injected into the back. An epidural is used to treat a variety of different kinds of pain.
During labor, an epidural anesthetic is used to alleviate labour pain. It stops the nerves that send pain signals to the brain. It makes the chest, abdomen, and legs numb and tingly.
When may an epidural be administered?
As soon as you’re 4 to 5 cm dilated and in active labour, you’re eligible for an epidural. It usually takes 15 minutes to install the epidural catheter and another 20 minutes to fully take action before the pain begins to subside.
Many women believe they are too far along to benefit from an epidural, but this is simply not true. Getting an epidural is completely up to you. The anesthesiologist needs at least 30 minutes to administer and take effect, so don’t wait too close to birth to be sure he or she is accessible.
Is the baby delivered immediately after the epidural or does it take longer?
Women who had epidural anesthetic during delivery were found to be more than two hours behind those who did not, according to a study.
On average, women who had previously given birth needed an hour and 20 minutes less than their non-pregnant counterparts to finish the second stage of labour without anaesthesia at the 95th percentile. In comparison, an epidural takes four hours and fifteen minutes to complete.
How is an epidural given?
Photo credit: Core Medical and Wellness
- During active labour, an anesthesiologist or anesthetist provides an epidural injection. It might be difficult during contractions to keep completely motionless while the epidural is being given.
- An anesthetic is often used to numb the region where the epidural is to be inserted.
- Hunching over or lying on your side with your knees tucked up to your chest are the two options for becoming comfortable in bed.
- A tiny plastic tube (epidural catheter) will be inserted into your back via a needle and placed near the nerve that sends pain signals to your brain.
- After the needle is removed, the catheter remains in place.
- After inserting the catheter into the machine, the other end of the catheter is connected to a pump that delivers a steady supply of medicine.
- You will be given fluids and hydrated following the epidural if an IV hasn’t already been put.
Are epidurals a safe procedure?
Although epidurals are generally safe and effective, there is always a risk associated with them. When you meet with your doctor, he or she will go through the risks and advantages. The advantages vastly exceed the disadvantages. When working with a competent anaesthetist, you’ll have fewer issues. The epidural has never caused any problems in my years of practice.
What is the cost of an epidural at a Nigerian medical facility?
While epidurals are not prohibitively costly in Nigeria, the price depends on the patient’s ability to pay. He informed me that the cost of epidural at most private hospitals, teaching hospitals, and maternity homes is approximately N50,000 – N100,000. Epidural in labour costs between N100,000 – N300,000 in major hospitals in Abuja, Lagos, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Benin, Kaduna, and Kano, including Lily Hospital, St Nicholas, First Consultants, and Cedarcrest. Hospitals in the cities of Lagos, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Kaduna provide epidurals to ladies in labor in order to ease their pain.
Does having an epidural hurt at all?
The epidural numbing chemical alleviates much of the discomfort you may experience. When the epidural drug is administered, most women report feeling pressured and a stinging sensation.
Is the use of epidurals during childbirth safe?
Epidurals have been linked to lengthier labours in the past, according to previous research. Epidurals were supposed to induce C-sections if they were administered before a lady was 4 cm dilated.”
Several recent randomized trials have established no link between the use of an epidural and the requirement for a C-section on the part of the mother. Acknowledging this research, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) revised their recommendations in 2014 as a result.
To assist your uterus contract, you may be given Pitocin, an artificial replica of the natural hormone that is released during childbirth. The dose of epidural medicine should be discussed with your doctor.
With an epidural, can you feel contractions?
You’ll still be aware of the contractions, but you won’t feel any pain thanks to an epidural. However, when it comes to pushing, an epidural changes everything. There is a possibility that epidural injections might induce long-term back discomfort or paralysis.
It’s possible for epidurals to persist for hours following the birth of a baby. You may still feel numb in the lower part of your body if you get an epidural at the proper dose and kind. While the effects of the drug wear off, you may find it difficult to move or use the restroom on your own.
However, paralysis and other major consequences from epidural injections are very uncommon. It is not uncommon for women to have some soreness in the lower back for a few hours or days after an epidural, according to Neely.
Will an epidural be harmful to a newborn?
Not at all, There is really little danger to the infant.
What are the experiences of mothers who have had an epidural?
People who have given birth naturally have always said, “Oh my god, this epidural stuff is incredible.” How come I never thought of this before? “
Epidurals are a lifesaver for pregnant women who aren’t getting enough sleep at the end of their pregnancies and who are in the middle of protracted labour.
Do you need an epidural?
A patient’s decision on whether or not to have an epidural or natural childbirth is crucial. Our ultimate objective is to ensure that the woman and her family enjoy the greatest possible delivery experience.
Some Hospitals in Nigeria that perform epidurals
- National Hospital Abuja
- Garki Medical Center
- The Maitama Medical Center
- Nisa Premier Hospital
