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.
- 1. Relief of pain during first and second stage labor pain
- 2. Suitable for C-section, episiotomy or forceps delivery
- 3. Can be given to woman with PIH (pregnancy induced hypertension)
- 4. Allows extension of anaesthesia for caesarean delivery
- 5. Avoids opioid-induced maternal and neonatal respiratory depression
- 6. Gives ample time to rest
- 7. Reduces hyperventilation
- 8. Facilitates patient cooperation during labor and delivery
Contraindications for an Epidural anaesthesia
- 1. Hypotension
- 2. Heart diseases
- 3. Anatomical difficulties in the spinal column
- 4. Bleeding disordery
- 5. Skin infections
- 6. Known allergy to the local anaesthetic drug
- 7. Certain medications like anticoagulants
- 8. Thrombocytopenia
- 9. Patient refusal
