Epidural complications Complications associated with epidurals can include the following: • The epidural drugs may cause your blood pressure to Something drop and consequently to Remember cause your baby’s heartbeat to slow down. This is usually transient and relieved by changing your position and increasing intravenous fluids to improve your blood pressure. • In approximately 3% to 5% of cases, epidurals fail to provide adequate analgesia. • If the epidural needle is pushed too far it can pierce the membrane around the spinal nerves and this may result in a headache. The chance of this occurring is approximately 1%. • Decreasing bladder sensation and your ability to pass urine, requiring the insertion of a urinary catheter while the epidural is in place. The catheter will remain in-situ for up to 12 hours after the birth of your baby or when the epidural wears off. • The possibility exists that the decreased sensation may also decrease your ability to push, thus increasing the chances of an assisted delivery (e.g. ventouse, forceps). • The local anaesthetic used for the epidural may affect your respiratory muscles and you may require temporary assistance with breathing. This is very rare. • Other rare complications with epidurals include permanent nerve damage, seizures, paraplegia and death. Caesarean section: spinal, epidural and general anaesthetic Most elective and emergency caesarean sections can be performed under a spinal/ epidural anaesthetic with your partner/support person present. However, there are some circumstances where a general anaesthetic (in which you are put to sleep) may be required for an emergency caesarean and your partner will not be able to be present. If you are planning an elective caesarean you should talk with your obstetrician about your options. Caesarean section performed under spinal or epidural anaesthetic Caesarean sections are mostly performed under a spinal/epidural anaesthetic with your partner/ support person present. However, there are a few situations in which an epidural may be unsuitable or inappropriate. If you require a caesarean section and are considering an epidural or spinal anaesthetic, you should discuss this in detail with your obstetrician and anaesthetist. Greenslopes Maternity Childbirth and Parent Education 21
Childbirth and Parent Ed Book 1015 PI448
To see the actual publication please follow the link above