Epidurals are Not Dangerous

Epidurals are not dangerous

According to Dr Beh Suan Tiong, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Thomson Medical center said the use of an Epidural remains one of the biggest conceptions people have. Epidurals are not dangerous.

Epidural anesthesia is a regional anesthesia that blocks pain signals from the lower half of the body. It involves inserting a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into the epidural space in the lower back. The anesthesiologist infuses a combination of local anesthetic and opioid medication through the catheter, which numbs the nerves and diminishes pain sensations. Healthcare professionals widely regard Epidural anesthesia as the gold standard in pain management during labor and delivery because of its highly effective pain relief capabilities.

Pethidine

Although there has been significant debate about the use of Pethidine, no one has yet demonstrated its adverse consequences. On the other hand, the effectiveness of the epidural outweighs other options like pethidine injection. Doctors use Pethidine to alleviate intense pain during labor or after surgery, and it can provide relief for up to 5-6 hours. They typically inject it into a muscle in the thigh or buttocks, and it operates by obstructing pain signals in the brain. Pethidine is less effective than epidural anesthesia in controlling pain during labor, but it can be a useful alternative for women who cannot or do not want to have an epidural.

What about side effects, Epidural anesthesia can cause some side effects, such as low blood pressure, nausea, and headaches. Pethidine can also cause nausea, dizziness, and sedation. Both medications can affect the baby’s heart rate, but epidural anesthesia is less likely to do so.

Epidural and pethidine are two common options for pain relief during labor and delivery. Both have their pros and cons, and which one to choose depends on various factors, including the woman’s medical history, pain tolerance, and personal preferences.

(source: The Straits Times, Mind Your Body, 22 Jan 2009)

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