Myths associated with Labour Epidurals

Epidural anesthesia is the most popular method of pain relief during labour in developed countries. Women request an epidural by name more than any other method of pain relief. More than 50% of women giving birth at hospitals use epidural anesthesia.

Unfortunately, in Sri Lanka, only about 6% of mothers have a sound knowledge of this and only 15% have a positive attitude towards labour epidural analgesia. Epidurals generally provide safe and effective pain relief during labour. But nevertheless, myths persist. Here are few truths behind some common myths.

Myth No. 1: They will cause permanent back pain Labour itself can cause back pain: Pushing for several hours combined with the hormones that cause the muscles in your lower body to relax can strain muscles and ligaments. But epidurals themselves have not been proven to cause to longterm back pain.

Myth No. 2: They can paralyse you
Serious complications from an epidural, including paralysis, are extremely rare. It is exceedingly rare from an anesthetic procedure.

Myth No. 3: They will harm your baby
Low dose and low concentration of local anesthetics and opioids —lower than what you’d receive in an IV - are considered safe for your child.

Myth No. 4: They will slow labour
Epidurals don’t slow down your labour, but they may lengthen the time it takes for the second stage of labor when you start pushing the baby.

Myth No. 5: After you get an epidural, you’ll need a C-section
Many studies determined that epidurals do not increase the likelihood of requiring a cesarean delivery.

Myth No. 6: You can only get an epidural during a limited timeframe
The only requirement is that you must be able to remain still for roughly five minutes so that your anaesthetist can safely perform the procedure. It is sometimes challenging for women in the advanced stages of labour.

Myth No. 7: Epidurals cause headaches
A post procedure is a known risk for individuals who receive an epidural, but the incidence is about 1%.
Myth No. 8: Anyone can have an epidural Women taking blood thinners, must stop these medications within an appropriate timeframe. Women with other conditions, such as spinal deformities, or who have had back surgery, may not be eligible to receive an epidural.