In September 2006, Boone County Hospital (BCH) began offering epidural services to mother’s during the birthing process. The timing of the new service coincided with the addition of Dr. Tracey McIntire, the hospital’s new obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN). With a full time OB/GYN on staff and epidural services available, pregnant women who live in and around Boone County no longer need to drive long distances to receive the healthcare they need.
Epidural anesthesia is the most commonly used and requested method of pain relief for women during labor and delivery in hospitals today. Other benefits of the epidural include clear thinking, and the ability to rest and even sleep for a few hours. It is estimated epidural pain relief is used for 75 to 90 percent of all births. By mid-December, 14 women who were laboring and delivering at BCH had successful pain relief from the epidural.
A mother needs to be in full labor before the epidural can be given to her. While the mother is sitting up or lying on her side, the site of injection is numbed. A member of the BCH Anesthesia staff will insert a needle into the lower back into the epidural space which lies just outside the spinal fluid sac. A small plastic tube is placed through the needle into the epidural space and then the needle is removed. Medication is then injected through the epidural catheter after which pain relief for such areas as the abdomen, back, buttocks and legs will begin in approximately 10 to 20 minutes. The insertion of the tube feels like pressure or a bee sting. “The nervous system is basically a communication network that transfers information to and from the brain,” says Larry Lee, Certified Nurse Anesthetist at BCH. “Nerves run up and down the spinal column. For those mothers in labor, the epidural blocks the pain and the pathway to the brain.”
“As with any medical procedure, there are some risks,” says Dena Sytsma, RN, Labor and Delivery Nurse at BCH. “A common risk is a drop in the mother’s blood pressure which may cause the babies heart rate to drop and infection in the mother.” However, Larry and Dena say the risks are rare. Precautions are taken and a member of the Anesthesia staff is prepared to address any complications that may arise. Both mother and baby are monitored closely and adjustments are made as needed.
Other pain relief options are also available at BCH and can be used prior to an epidural. The Birth Center offers one-on-one management, massage, relaxation techniques, a Jacuzzi, music, a birthing ball, and other forms of pain medication.
Larry says, generally patients who are young and healthy can have an epidural. However, there are certain restrictions which can keep the mother from having an epidural such as blood thinners, back surgery, tattoos and allergies.
Keep in mind, having an epidural for labor and delivery is an option, not a necessity. The best practice for any women is to be fully educated prior to any medical procedure and become informed. For expectant mothers, the best thing to do before the baby is born is talk to the doctor about the pros and cons of an epidural. Every woman is different and each women needs to make their own decision. |