What are the benefits of an epidural?
- Pain relief.
- It allows you to rest.
- It can help you stay alert.
- It may help reduce postpartum depression.
- You can get an epidural anytime during labor.
- They're effective for longer surgical procedures.
Similarly, what are the advantages of an epidural?
It creates less anxiety and less stress. In some patients who have lower pain threshold it enables an emotionally positive experience. The other advantages of the epidural are that it also helps relax the muscles in the pelvis which when you're in pain you try to contract everything in your body.
Additionally, why is it bad to get an epidural? Nerve damage The needle used to deliver the epidural can hit a nerve, leading to temporary or permanent loss of feeling in your lower body. Bleeding around the area of the spinal cord and using the wrong medication in the epidural can also cause nerve damage. This side effect is extremely rare.
In this way, is it worth getting an epidural?
The pros. In most cases, an epidural provides very effective pain relief. And if you're dealt a difficult labour, this could make the difference between a positive birth experience and a negative one. A common benefit of epidural — a drop in blood pressure — can reduce these risks.
Is it better to have a natural birth or epidural?
Giving birth can and should be a beautiful experience. But the prospect of delivery may give some women anxiety because of the anticipated pain and discomfort. While many women opt to receive epidurals (medication for pain relief) to have a more comfortable labor, many more are choosing natural births.