
But CPD and other pelvic anomalies are quite rare, so this argument doesn’t stand up. They say that it’s actually small pelvises (cephalopelvic disproportion or CPD) that are the reason women have c-sections. Some epidural supporters say that c-section is correlated to epidural but not causative. Fetal distress can mean an emergency c-section.įact: Epidural anesthesia in first time mothers, in particular, is shown to increase the chances of having a cesarean birth. Without adequate rest between contractions, baby may not get enough oxygen and become distressed. However, because Pitocin is synthetic and not regulated by your body and baby, many women experience intense and frequent contractions that don’t allow mom or baby time to rest.

Pitocin interferes with your body’s production of endorphins, these morphine-like helpers offset the pain of birth naturally. This is a cascade we want! An epidural blocks uterotonic hormones such as oxytocin which helps your uterus to contract, so labor may slow down. Because of this, epidural use triples your chances of receiving Pitocin. In fact, many moms are confined to a bed on their backs, one of the worst positions to labor in because it narrows the pelvis.Įpidurals also interfere with the natural cascade of birth hormones. All of these things can make it difficult to move around and labor effectively. This is such a common occurrence that there’s a catchy term for it… “ Cascade of Interventions.”īy just choosing to get an epidural, you are also signing up for several other interventions like continuous fetal monitoring (boo!), an IV because fluids help reduce the chances of a blood pressure drop, frequent blood pressure monitoring, and in many cases, a catheter :(. Probably one of the biggest issues with epidurals is that it can set of a chain of more interventions. Why natural birth doesn’t mean no pain managementĮpidurals Can Create a Need for Other Interventions

This has to change! Here is the truth about epidural side effects.Įpidurals can create a need for other interventions I wanted to write this post because I’ve heard from many moms who didn’t realize what they were signing up for when they requested the epidural. (And maybe even change their minds mid-labor, like I did :)) This post is about educating moms about the potential epidural side effects so they can make an empowered and informed choice. I understand why epidurals can be a real gift in labor, and I support any mom who feels she needs one or even medically may need one. I requested one myself during my very long and painful first birth but it was too late to get it. Please hear me: this post isn’t about judging or shaming moms who get epidurals. Rather than positioning epidurals as just a harmless pain reliever, doctors need to educate their patients about the risks and rewards so they can make informed choices.
#ALLEN GREY FILL ME UP BUTTERCUP FULL#
But I don’t think most women get the full story about the true side effects of this intervention. Nearly 60% of mamas get an epidural during birth. It’s about avoiding the epidural side effects.

Who wants to feel needless pain? (Not me!)īut for most of us, it’s not about the pain. Some say that the crunchy mamas of the world are crazy for not wanting an epidural during birth.
