38: Epidural

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Episode 38 Content and Overview

The term epidural is basically used to encompass any type of anesthetic medication used for labor and birth.  There are actually three separate procedures that can be done that are often lumped under the umbrella term, “epidural”.  The three procedures are epidurals, spinals, and the combined spinal epidural.  Different techniques, medications and doses all have different results and risks, so it is really important to talk to your care provider about what their policy and practice is, so you know what options you have when it comes to medications, and make the best choice for you and your baby.  This episode explains what your options are for an epidural, what is involved in the procedure, how it will impact your labor, what the benefits and risks are, and the possible side effects.

Included in This Episode

• Epidural, spinal, combination
• CDC data
• Medications
• Effectiveness of epidurals
• Walking epidural and patient-controlled epidural analgesia
• IV fluids (covered in the episode on interventions)
• Electronic Fetal Monitoring
• Anesthesiologist and the Procedure
• When you can get an epidural
• Benefits
• Side effects
• Article on research with stats for side effects
• Effect on your baby
• Review on Impact on breastfeeding
• Review on impact during second stage of labor
• Episiotomy
• Assisted Delivery  (covered in the episode on interventions)
• Effects on hormones
• CDC data on epidurals
• Questions for your care provider
  • What combination and what dosage of drugs will be used?
  • What are the potential side effects of these drugs?
  • What are your policies for procedures like an assisted delivery if an epidural creates a need for it?
  • How will the medications affect my baby?
  • How will my mobility be impacted?
  • Are there restrictions of what liquids and solids I can eat or drink?
• Sample birth plan

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