During childbirth, there are many ways to control pain, but one of the most common is the epidural. However, thanks to movies and television shows, there are a number of misconceptions about epidurals out there. So, we’re here to set the record straight and debunk those myths about epidural.
The use of spinal anesthesia for delivery alone is becoming increasingly rare, but combined spinal epidurals are becoming very normal, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). More than 60 percent of women in labor receive an epidural, yet epidurals are misunderstood modalities of pain management.
Spinal anesthesia is a one-time injection of pain medication. A doctor injects an initial dose of medication below the outermost membrane of the spine throughout this procedure and then inserts a small tube (catheter) into another part of the outer spine through which medication can be delivered during the entire childbirth process as needed.
To help ensure that expectant parents make informed choices about epidurals and pain relief during labour, we’ve attempted to dispel some of the common myths we get to hear most frequently.
Myth # 1: Epidurals slow labor.
Reality: Epidurals do not slow down the mechanics of the labor, but when you start pushing the baby, they will extend the time it takes for the second stage of labor to begin, says Dr. Higgins. You’re in less pain after an epidural, which means you will have less sensation as to how to start pushing. The epidural numbness can also make it difficult to get the hang of pushing.
Myth # 2: Anyone can have an epidural.
Reality: Epidural eligibility based on medical and personal records is assessed by doctors. In order to be able to receive an epidural, women taking anticoagulation medications, or blood thinners, must stop these medications within an appropriate period before delivery. Women who have other conditions, such as spina bifida, or who have undergone back surgery may not be eligible for epidural.
Myth # 3: There’s a limited window of time when you can get an epidural.
Reality: Depending on what you and your doctor have discussed and what your pain relief priorities are, you can get an epidural at any point during your labor. Epidural is not limited to any specific time during labor.
Myth # 4: Epidurals cause permanent back pain or paralysis.
Reality: Serious epidural complications, including paralysis, are extremely rare. Some women experience pain for a few hours or days after the epidural in the lower back (where the catheter was inserted), but this does not usually last longer than a day.
Myth # 5: Epidurals can cause incontinence issues.
Reality: An epidural blocks the sensory nerves, causing most women to temporarily lose the sensation of needing to empty their bladder. Because of this, we routinely place a Foley catheter for the duration of the epidural, or periodically empty the bladder by draining it with a catheter. Women should return to normal bladder function within four to six hours after a catheter is removed or an epidural is turned off. Some women may not experience this sensation at all.
Myth # 6: Epidurals slow the healing process.
Reality: There have been no evidence of an epidural slowing recovery from labor and delivery. However, if any case that happens, it is because of some pre-existing medical history.
Myth # 7: Following childbirth, epidurals often cause horrific headaches.
Reality: A day or two after the epidural, about one in 100 to one in 200 women may experience a complication called a post-dural puncture headache. This happens if, just beyond the epidural space, if the epidural needle pierces the membrane, causing a spinal fluid leakage. Usually, the headache responds to painkillers; another procedure called an epidural blood patch may be given if it does not. However, long-term issues from a post-dural puncture headache are extremely rare.