Can an epidural cause long term problems?

The most frequently reported maternal effects of epidural or spinal analgesia are prolonged symptoms of headache, backache and neurological sequelae. Large retrospective studies of postpartum symptomatology have focused on correlations with regional nerve blockade rather than on other more commonly used analgesics.

How long do the side effects of an epidural last?

The effects of the epidural usually wear off within 2 hours after the epidural medicine is stopped. After the epidural wears off, you may have some hip or back pain from childbirth. You may have a small bruise and the skin may be sore where the epidural was put in your back.

What are the side effects of an epidural on the baby?

One possible side effect of an epidural with some babies is a struggle with “latching on” in breastfeeding. Another is that while in-utero, a baby might also become lethargic and have trouble getting into position for delivery.

Do epidurals cause autism?

Refuting an earlier study, researchers found that epidural anesthesia, commonly administered for pain relief during labor, does not increase the risk for autism in children. A study has shown that undergoing an epidural during birth is not associated with a higher rate of later autism diagnosis.

Can epidural nerve damage be fixed?

These injections are usually carried out without any problems and if nerve damage does occur it is usually temporary. Rarely damage may be permanent.

What percentage of mothers get epidurals?

Seventy-one percent of pregnant women get epidurals or other spinal anesthesia, according to the study, which appears online in Anesthesiology.

What are the side effects of epidurals on newborns?

Epidural Side Effects for Baby. Some studies have found that epidurals may compromise fetal heart rate and blood supply at birth due to the reduced blood pressure in mom. Infants who are exposed to epidurals are more likely to be evaluated and treated for sepsis and may have reduced immune system function.

Can you have a spontaneous delivery with an epidural?

In one study only 26 percent of first-time mothers and 57 percent of experienced mothers with persistent posterior babies experienced a spontaneous vaginal delivery. In addition, the epidural can produce side effects in the baby (fetal heart rate changes, for example) that necessitate a cesarean.

What happens to your body when you have an epidural?

Temporary nerve damage. The needle or epidural tube can damage nerves, but this is uncommon. This can cause loss of feeling or movement in parts of the lower body. The most common symptom is a small numb area with normal movement and strength. This usually gets better after a few days or weeks, but can sometimes take months.

How does an epidural affect the second stage of Labor?

Having an epidural can increase the amount of time you spend in the second stage of labor. This stage starts when your cervix is fully dilated and ends when your baby is born. Women who have an epidural can spend an extra hour in this stage of labor.