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What a relief
The epidural space lies between the outermost covering of the spinal cord and the vertebral canal formed by the spine bones.
It is also the name given to the most common spinal anaesthetic technique. The epidural is a popular form of spinal anaesthesia because it has fewer side effects. It is used increasingly to provide pain relief, or to reduce the need for deep general anaesthesia – to relax muscles – during childbirth. It does this by numbing the nerve roots. The great benefit of this method is that the mother can see – and cuddle – her baby immediately after birth, which may be important for the bonding processes. And it does seem to be quite safe for mother and her baby.
The technique itself, usually performed by an anaesthetist, involves the introduction of a needle into the epidural space. Through this needle a fine tube is passed into the space and left there when the needle is withdrawn. The tube allows the local anaesthetic and pain-relieving drugs to pass into the space from an automatic pump, as and when required, to block the nerve roots, which lie in this area, and lead to the uterus and the lower parts of the body.
Labour pains are more intense for some mothers than others, especially the painful early contractions of a ‘backache’ labour where the baby’s back is next to the mother’s spine. As a consequence, some need more analgesia and the amount can be easily adjusted, accordingly.
Although the numbers do vary widely from one area to another in the UK, 70-80% of patients request this method of pain control, and probably some 40-50% receive it – but this, too, varies from area to area. It can be almost 100% effective. Sometimes, an intravenous cannula (needle) is placed in an upper limb. This is a standard procedure in any form of major anaesthetic situation - 'local' or 'general' - and provides a quick and useful means of giving additional medications- should they be needed at any time.
The Pros:
- Great pain relief during labour, especially the severe ‘backache’ type
- Can help prevent an exhausting period of labour
- Ideal for Caesarean sections and other obstetric manipulations necessary, like a forceps delivery
- It may help the mother who has an increased blood pressure, as in pre-eclampsia
- Often aids more efficient muscle efforts during labour
- Usually helps the partner, who is present, to cope with ‘labour’
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