Hi November mommies,
I am from Jan board. How many of you planning to take epidural? I have heard the there are many side-effects if you take it, so I am not sure abt taking it, any inputs will be appreciated. Tina replied. Hi Kavita

I have decieded that I will take the pain as long as I can if it becomes unbearable then I can always change my mind later. Infact I am lucky my doctor said that unlike some care providers that do not give epidural after one has dilated 8-8.5 she will do it anytime I ask for it. There are some side effects that were told to us in the lamaze class of taking an epidural. (u may want to ask your doctor about their policies as each may be different)

1. The labour progress maybe affected it may slow down the process so usually pitocin ( i hope i spelled it correctly) is given sometimes along with the IV so that labour keeps progressing.

2. You cannot walk etc. or eat after taking an epidural.

3. They have noticed a drop of point 1 or so IQ in the baby, no one knows why but it may happen.

4. Also some long term effects on the mother may be there: back ache or even paralysis (altough I have never heard that happen to anybody)

5. The effect of the epidural maybe partial (eg on one side only etc.) or not totally numb you.

I do have a friend who have a spinal headache after taking an epidural for 2 weeks after the baby was born. But she was ok after that. But it was quite difficult for her during that time and if it did not cure on its own they would have had to give a blood patch to her (in spine)
Mostly what I feel is if women have a long labour they tend to go in for epidural otherwise if it is short they are able to manage without. Because epidural takes about 40 mins: 20 to administer and 20 mins to take effect.

Also another option is narcotics. Though it goes directly in your blood stream and consequently to the baby. But the effect on the baby is wears off in an hour or so. Narcotics just take the edge off the pain not numbing. Epidural can usually be taken can after taking narcotics.

But like I said each hospital may have different policies so you may want to ask your doctor they practises.

All the best in your decision

Tina

Avi replied. Hey Kavita, I feel that everything we take (including cold medicine) has side effects and so if one can save themnselves from being in unbearable pain and at the same time be quite sure that the baby will be more than okay..why not take it..

my main reason for going for it, if I am given an option to have it, is pain relief..and as far as I know, the baby is not harmed in any way...
Moreover, hopefully it will allow you to enjoy the whole birthing process.. :)
so I plan on taking it..and hopefully I will get to ...
Simmi replied. Hi Kavita. I have known women who have taken epidural and have had no side effects so don't be alarmed if the doc suggests you to take it just in case the labour goes longer than expected.

The scenario u r likely to need is when u are not dialating or it is getting tough to push. Then the baby may get in distress which is when the doc may suggest epidural and other options.

However, I have read that women take epidural at the start of the birth itself too and then too there are no side effects.

The only problem with epidural is that u take it u can't go for water birth.

And if u take it too late in labour, u might be so relaxed with the relief it gives u that u may not feel like pushing no more.

But till the time u remember to sit really still, the epidural can be given without much pain and hopefully no side effects.

I hope this reassures you.
U may not even need it, so don't think much about it.

BTW, not everyone goes through post natal depression. IF you keep ur mind positive and have loving hubby with u, u have no reason to fear depression.

I can relate to u being nervous about mil interfering and judging u after the baby comes, but trust urself and i'm sure u will be enjoying being a mum so much that mil's reaction won't have much effect anyways.

All the very best.
Take care. Simmi vidya replied. hey kavita...
I have also read that epidurals do cause some side effects...but you know at that point of time when you have reached the zenith of pain and the baby is not out yet...one needs to really re-think the options abt epidural.
Meanwhile, I will read a liitle more abt this and keep you posted about the side effects.
I need to take a decision on this too...before u (nov. due)
vidya