E P I D U R A L
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An epidural is a thin hollow tube that sits in the epidural space of the spine, allowing numbing medicine to get delivered right to the nerves, used mostly as pain management in labour.
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It is important to understand that while there are benefits, there are also risks.
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Benefits include:
👉🏻 Pain relief
👉🏻 Allows you to rest
👉🏻 May help stop cervical swelling
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Risks include:
👉🏻 Itching
👉🏻 Nausea & Vomiting
👉🏻 Fever
👉🏻 Low blood pressure
👉🏻 Breathing difficulties
👉🏻 Severe headache
👉🏻 Spinal fluid leak
👉🏻 Infection
👉🏻 Tearing
👉🏻 Instrumental Birth (forceps or vacuum)
👉🏻 Ongoing short or long term back pain
👉🏻 Prolonged labour
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Were you told about the risks of an epidural?
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