Reported side effects of epidural anesthesia.All obstetric interventions carry benefits and risks. While some of the following effects are rare and others are common, it is important for every mother to be aware of these risks, to explore the many natural forms of pain management, and to decide carefully whether the benefits of epidural anesthesia outweigh the risks. Many mothers find it helpful to reconceptualize "pain" as "intensity," to prepare well, to choose their midwife/doctor with care, to arrange for loving support, and to cultivate an awareness of their owncourage and beauty. Mother: additional interventions * Restricted mobility, IV, and EFM (all epidural patients) * Increased likelihood of bladder catheterization catheterization Threading of a flexible tube (catheter) through a channel in the body to inject drugs or a contrast medium, measure and record flow and pressures, inspect structures, take samples, diagnose disorders, or clear blockages. , oxytocin oxytocin (ŏksĭtō`sĭn), hormone released from the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland that facilitates uterine contractions and the milk-ejection reflex. administration, internal monitoring * Increased likelihood of operative (i.e. forceps, episiotomy Episiotomy Definition An episiotomy is a surgical incision made in the area between the vagina and anus (perineum). This is done during the last stages of labor and delivery to expand the opening of the vagina to prevent tearing during the delivery of , cesarean) delivery * Automatic blood pressure cuff throughout labor Mother: short term * Dural dural /du·ral/ (dur´'l) pertaining to the dura mater. dural pertaining to the dura mater. dural ossification see dural ossification. puncture * Hypotension (29%) * Nausea, vomiting, shivering (frequent) * Prolonged labor * Uneven, incomplete, or nonexistent pain relief * Feelings of emotional detachment * Respiratory insufficiency or paralysis * Convulsions * Toxic drug reactions * Slight to severe headache * Septic meningitis * Allergic shock * Cardiac arrest * Maternal death Mother: long term * Neurological complications * Backache (weeks to years) * Postpartum feelings of regret, loss of autonomy * Fecal and urinary incontinence or bladder dysfunction (inability to urinate) * Paresthesia ("pins and needles") * Loss of perineal perineal /peri·ne·al/ (-ne´al) pertaining to the perineum. Perineal The diamond-shaped region of the body between the pubic arch and the anus. sensation and sexual function Baby * Direct drug toxicity * Fetal distress, abnormal FHR (can lead to emergency cesarean section) * Drowsiness at birth, poor sucking reflex * Maternal fever (impeded thermoregulation Thermoregulation The processes by which many animals actively maintain the temperature of part or all of their body within a specified range in order to stabilize or optimize temperature-sensitive physiological processes. from numb skin) leads to fetal hyperthermia and neonatal NICU NICU abbr. neonatal intensive-care unit workup (spinal tap, etc.) * Poor muscle strength and tone in the first hours * Neonatal jaundice * Decreased maternal-infant bonding, behavioral problems * Hyperactivity up to seven years of age (suspected) Economic * Increased costs (all epidural patients) |
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