Painless labor with Epidural analgesia

Epidural analgesia

Epidural analgesia is a central nerve block technique in which a local anaesthesia is injected close to the nerves that carry pain sensations. It is given in the epidural space in the back when the patient is about 3 cm dilated to reduce the pain of labor contractions.

It is usually removed after the Episiotomy has been sutured.

Advantages of Epidural analgesia

• Relief of pain during first and second stage labor pain
• Suitable for C-section, episiotomy or forceps delivery
• Can be given to woman with PIH (pregnancy induced hypertension)
• Allows extension of anaesthesia for caesarean delivery
• Avoids opioid-induced maternal and neonatal respiratory depression
• Gives ample time to rest
• Reduces hyperventilation
• Facilitates patient cooperation during labor and delivery

Contraindications for an Epidural anaesthesia

• Hypotension
• Heart diseases
• Anatomical difficulties in the spinal column
• Bleeding disorder
• Skin infections
• Known allergy to the local anaesthetic drug
• Certain medications like anticoagulants
• Thrombocytopenia
• Patient refusal