The technique of painless delivery called as Epidural Analgesia or Epidural Anaesthesia is a popular technique used by women, if advised by the doctor, during labor. It gives relief from unbearable labor pain during deliveries. Such deliveries have registered 6-7% rise in the past two-three years. The anaesthesiologist and your OB-GYN will monitor the blood pressure, check that the epidural is working well and your baby’s heart rate will be checked intermittently or continuously. Like all other treatments epidural delivery also has pros and cons.
Advantages
Almost complete relief from pain with the patient being mobile
No postpartum headache as in spinal anaesthesia
Mother is conscious and alert throughout the labor
An instrumental delivery can be performed under the same anaesthesia, if need arises
If the patient has to be taken for caesarean section, the effect can be topped up through the epidural catheter.
Disadvantages
Sudden drop in the blood pressure
Because of pelvic floor relaxation, baby's head may not rotate and forceps application may be required.
Slight increased rate of instrumental and caesarean deliveries.