Epidural anesthesia is the most common method applied for combating pain during delivery. The pregnant lady remain conscious and aware of the activities going on, but there is a numbness at the pelvic region.
Epidural is a combination of pain killing medications. It is injected at the small of the back to numb the lower part of the spine when labor is well established and the cervix is at least 3 to 4 cm wide. The medication prevents transmission of pain signals from the womb and cervix to the brain. Although, epidural could be administered any time during labor, it is preferably injected when the contraction becomes strong. Despite the numbness, a woman could sense the contraction during delivery.
How does epidural anesthesia work?
An epidural anesthetic blocks the nerve roots that lead to the uterus and lower part of the body.
These roots are located in a space near the spinal cord called the epidural space. This lies within the spine just outside the outer covering of the spinal cord.
According to the American Pregnancy Association Epidural is usually administered by: "Intravenous (IV) fluids will be started before active labor begins and prior to the procedure of placing the epidural. You can expect to receive 1-2 liters of IV fluids throughout labor and delivery. An anesthesiologist, a physician who specializes in anesthesia, an obstetrician, or nurse-anesthetist will administer your epidural".
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