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When it comes to labor and birth, every woman will choose their own care plan. Over 50% of women will use epidural anesthesia while giving birth. As you await your baby’s arrival, talk to your OBGYN and educate yourself about epidurals to decide if this pain management method is right for you. 

What You Should Know About Epidural Anesthesia 

1. There Are Two Types

Most women will receive a regular or combined spinal-epidural. To place an epidural, a medical professional will insert the catheter to administer the anesthesia and a narcotic. A regular epidural will numb the lower half of the body. A combined spinal or walking epidural involves a lower dosage of medication, providing pain relief without complete numbness. Talk to your OBGYN about which type is right for you. 

2. Timing Matters

OBGYNWhile you can request an epidural any time during the first stage of labor, it’s best to ask for one as soon as you’re unable to handle the pain of your contractions. It can take up to an hour for staff to prepare the epidural and for the medication to kick in. In some cases, a woman might be too far into labor for the epidural to take effect before she delivers the baby.

3. Not All Patients Qualify

An OBGYN will not place an epidural if you are not dilated at least four centimeters or if your labor is progressing too quickly. Patients who have low platelet counts, take blood thinners, or have an infection might not be able to have an epidural either. In some cases, the doctor may not be able to find the epidural space to safely place the catheter. Complications during pregnancy, such as hemorrhaging, can also make an epidural unsafe. 

4. Placement Is Usually Not Painful

Some women may worry about the sensation of epidural placement, especially if they are wary of needles. However, after numbing the area with local anesthetic, the doctor will only leave the needle in place for about one minute as they insert the small catheter. Most patients will feel a pinch from the needle, then pressure as the epidural is placed. The process usually does not cause much pain.

 

To ensure a successful birth, you need a doctor you can trust. For patients in Honolulu, HI, TTNYD & D OBGYN is here to provide comprehensive care for all women. Located in the Queens Medical Center, this team of doctors, nurses, and staff provide prenatal care, yearly wellness exams, conception counseling, and birth control consultations in a comfortable environment. With appointments during holidays, nights, weekends, and work days, they are happy to work around your schedule. To schedule an appointment, call (808) 599-4200 today. 

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