Many favorable comments regarding the administration of epidurals during vaginal birth are also called painless birth. Epidural anesthesia prevents you to feel the pain caused by contractions during labor and ensures a more positive and better experience of birth ensuring that the expectant mother is aware of the birth. Contrary to some other drugs, epidural does not cause dizziness before or after birth. If the labor is long, the epidural makes it possible for the mother to rest. 

Epidural indeed provides all the benefits indicated here for many mothers and babies. However, epidurals, in addition to their known benefits, also have some undesired potential risks and side effects. To make an informed decision regarding the use of epidural anesthesia, it is our opinion that you should be aware of its potential risks and side effects in addition to its benefits. 

We can list the side effects that the epidural anesthesia used during labor could cause as follows: 

• It can extend the labor time as it slows down the contractions of the uterus.
• Synthetic Oxytocin (known as false labor pain) is required to be administered to make the uterus contractions, which have slowed down, stronger. If the epidural is administered too early, the risk of cesarean section increases.
• Also, the possibility of intervention (use of vacuum and forceps) during birth increases. The probability of a perineum tear increases in tandem.
• When the epidural is administered, the baby’s heartbeat increased, indicating that it is under stress. 
• Due to the probability of a drop in blood pressure, 1 l of serum is administered before the epidural to increase the pressure in the vessels. 
• After delivery, it is possible to experience nominal complaints such as severe headaches, weakness, and numbness in the arms and legs. However, even these nominal complaints can make it more difficult for the new mother to take care of her baby. 

• Some of the consequences of administering serum loading before epidural anesthesia in babies include their reluctance to suck milk, weak sucking, and tendency to doze off. Additionally, mothers may experience fullness of the breasts and the formation of hardness in the breasts. This precautionary measure is taken to counter the drop in blood pressure experienced by some women during the procedure, which can lead to increased pressure in the veins. As a result, fluid may accumulate in the breasts, causing the nipples to tighten and making it difficult for the baby to latch on and suckle properly. When a baby cannot suck effectively, the mother's milk production decreases, potentially leading to the need for formula supplementation and, ultimately, a possible abandonment of breastfeeding. 

   

  WHAT CAN YOU DO: 

  You can decide on it by reviewing the risks and benefits. If you decide in favor of the epidural, then you must attend a preparatory course with your spouse to learn about the methods that will help you and your baby during labor and birth.