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What are the risks to the mother and her baby of having an epidural during labor?

By Anonymous July 19, 2009 - 11:47am
 
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I'd like to see more information on this site regarding this topic.

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What specific questions do you have regarding epidurals during childbirth?

I have provided some of the information regarding epidurals that are on this site, and I'm wondering what questions you still have, after reading these resources:
- EmpowHer's Encyclopedia: Epidural Anesthesia
- The Epidural (Shared story)
- The Labor Dispute: Epidural or Natural Childbirth?
- Question: What is Your Experience with an Epidural?

The risks of an epidural include:
* Bleeding disorders
* Prior bad or allergic reactions to anesthetics
* Dehydration
* Immune system disorders
* Mother’s blood pressure can lower, which can cause a decrease in the baby’s heart rate

Are currently pregnant, and wanting to know more about pain management during labor and delivery?

July 19, 2009 - 1:00pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Alison Beaver)

No, I'm not pregnant. I'm a student midwife and when I searched epidural on this site I didn't find anything that listed what the risks are and I think it's important for women to know both the benefits and risks of a medical procedure associated with labor and birth so that they can make an informed choice about their care. I'm glad to find that this information is available here. I'm not sure why I couldn't find it before.

July 25, 2009 - 2:52pm
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