Question

A woman in labor states she wants to have epidural analgesia. When can this method of analgesia best be given?

Answer 1

Epidural anaesthesia plays an important role in decreasing pain during labour. It is a regional anaesthetic which blocks the pain signals and decreases sensation in lower half of the body .When complete relief of pain is needed throughout labour , epidural analgesia is the simplest and safest method for attaining it. Epidural analgesia should be given when the labour is well established. Epidural anaesthesia can be given at any time of labour as it provides rapid pain relief but it is often given during first stage of labour to decrease pain , anxiety, lower hypertension and keep the mother at ease to bear down and push with contractions. There are side effects to epidural anasthesia to both baby and mother so precautions are necessary.