Epidural complications
Complications associated with epidurals can include the following:
• The epidural drugs may cause your blood pressure to Something drop and consequently to Remember
cause
your baby’s heartbeat to slow down. This is usually transient and relieved by changing
your position and increasing intravenous fluids to improve your blood pressure.
• In approximately 3% to 5% of cases, epidurals fail to provide adequate analgesia.
• If the epidural needle is pushed too far it can pierce the membrane around the
spinal nerves and this may result in a headache. The chance of this occurring
is approximately 1%.
• Decreasing bladder sensation and your ability to pass urine, requiring the insertion
of a urinary catheter while the epidural is in place. The catheter will remain in-situ
for up to 12 hours after the birth of your baby or when the epidural wears off.
• The possibility exists that the decreased sensation may also decrease your ability
to push, thus increasing the chances of an assisted delivery (e.g. ventouse, forceps).
• The local anaesthetic used for the epidural may affect your respiratory muscles
and you may require temporary assistance with breathing. This is very rare.
• Other rare complications with epidurals include permanent nerve damage,
seizures, paraplegia and death.
Caesarean section: spinal, epidural and general
anaesthetic
Most elective and emergency caesarean sections can be performed under a spinal/
epidural anaesthetic with your partner/support person present. However, there are
some circumstances where a general anaesthetic (in which you are put to sleep) may be
required for an emergency caesarean and your partner will not be able to be present.
If you are planning an elective caesarean you should talk with your obstetrician
about your options.
Caesarean section
performed under spinal
or epidural anaesthetic
Caesarean sections are mostly
performed under a spinal/epidural
anaesthetic with your partner/
support person present. However,
there are a few situations in which
an epidural may be unsuitable
or inappropriate. If you require
a caesarean section and are
considering an epidural or spinal
anaesthetic, you should discuss
this in detail with your obstetrician
and anaesthetist.
Mitcham Maternity Childbirth and Parent Education 21