Have you ever heard of painless normal delivery? It sounds unbelievable, but the revolutionary advancements made this possible.
Motherhood is one of the most precious journeys one could ever experience. The amount of pain a mother goes through while delivering a baby is immeasurable. Painless normal delivery became an option that can help in reducing the pain and enables women to enjoy the process too.
Epidural is one of the anesthesia that is given during the labor. Many women prefer this procedure after understanding the benefits.
What is Painless Normal Delivery?
Painless normal delivery is a technique that alleviates pain during labor. It provides relief through specific medications and reduces the pain while allowing effective delivery.
Epidural Catheter
Epidural Catheter is a thin plastic tube inserted through a needle, through which pain relieving medications are administered consistently during the procedure.
How does Epidural Work?
- Epidural management and reduction of the intense pain of contractions make the mother more comfortable.
- It aims to bring the pain to a tolerable level and provides complete pain relief during the delivery of the baby.
- By controlling the medication, epidural reduces the discomfort and contributes to mothers experiencing a painless delivery.
- It numbs the pelvic area and lower portion below while the remaining body is conscious. However, it should be remembered that this procedure doesn’t cause you 100 percent of relief from the pain.
What is the procedure for Painless Normal Delivery?
- Before the procedure starts, IV drips may be used to administer fluids into the arms.
- Bend forward or sit over a pillow or lie down on one side according to the comfort. This makes it easier for doctors to insert the needles in the appropriate place.
- Doctors use a cold antiseptic to wash the lower back. Later, they inject a small quality of local anesthetic into the lower back, followed by the insertion of a needle between the spine bone and space around the spinal cord will be given.
- The anesthetist will also insert an epidural needle once the contraction reduces. It is important to provide accurate information about pain relief to the anesthetist.
- Further, the delivery of the anesthetic will happen by that tube and will eventually numb the pain.
An Epidural is helpful during the first stage of labor but can take place at any stage.
Who can undergo this procedure?
Whoever is in labor and is ready for painless delivery can undergo this procedure. However, experts would not suggest this procedure for those with abnormal blood tests and mothers on blood thinning drugs.
There are a few patients where optimization of outcomes is possible, like;
- Women with complicated labor.
- Someone who’s trying for a vaginal birth after a C-section
- Women with health conditions like preeclampsia, heart conditions or hypertension.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Painless Normal Delivery?
Advantages of Painless Delivery
- It is safe
- Effective
- A woman can sleep during the delivery and can also recover strength because of the epidural.
Disadvantages of Painless Delivery
- Everyone cannot opt for this due to several medical reasons
- Feeling numb in the legs for hours.
Painless Delivery is the best option for those who want to manage their pain during labor and delivery. But, it is important to discuss with the healthcare provider to know the risks and benefits carefully.
Lotus Hospital’s team of experts makes it easy to keep track of everything from gynecologist’s appointments to test results, for easy access whenever required.