|
|
|
|
|
|
Epidural AnalgesiaWhat is epidural analgesia? How can having an epidural affect my pelvic floor? What are alternative ways of coping with labor pain? What is epidural analgesia?Epidural analgesia involves injecting one or more medications into the space that surrounds the spinal cord in order to relieve labor pain. The Epidural and Spinal page in the Labor Pain Pergnancy Topic discusses this technique in detail.How can having an epidural affect my pelvic floor?Epidural analgesia can lead to pelvic floor harm by increasing the likelihood of episiotomy (cutting the vaginal opening straight back to enlarge it for birth) and vacuum extraction or forceps delivery (assisted vaginal birth). These procedures, especially with use of midline episiotomy (cutting straight toward the anus to enlarge the vaginal opening at the time of birth), greatly increase the chance of a tear into or through the anal muscle. Anal muscle tears can lead to bowel incontinence (leaking gas — and more rarely, feces — or a sense of urgency about elimination) as well as increased likelihood of pain during sexual intercourse. Epidurals may have this effect because they numb women from the belly down. This makes it more difficult both to push effectively and to get into upright positions that can help move the baby out.What are alternative ways of coping with labor pain?The many alternatives to epidurals include:
You can use many of these, in combination or in sequence. Most recent page update: 2/21/2006
© 2013 Childbirth Connection. All rights reserved.
Childbirth Connection is a national not-for-profit organization founded in 1918 as Maternity Center Association. Our mission is to improve the quality and value of maternity care through consumer engagement and health system transformation. Childbirth Connection promotes safe, effective and satisfying evidence-based maternity care and is a voice for the needs and interests of childbearing families. |
News and Features
Listening to MothersSM III is the third national
survey exploring women’s experiences in pregnancy and childbirth.
Commissioned by Childbirth Connection, conducted by Harris Interactive, and
funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the survey polled 2,400 women who gave
birth in U.S. hospitals from 2011 to 2012. Results show that medically
intensive experiences are typical, and evidence-based practices are
underutilized. Childbearing women need better support and knowledge to
navigate their maternity care.
Access the full report and supplementary materials  New Report: Maternity Care and Liability Go to report and supporting materials New Report: The Cost of Having a Baby in the United States Go to report and supporting materials New Cesarean Resources: Go to Best Evidence Report Go to web pages and booklet for women 
For 95 years, Childbirth Connection has been dedicated to improving the
quality and value of maternity care for all women and their families. Learn
more about our rich history through our interactive
timeline and give
$95 for 95 in honor of
our 95th birthday. 
Childbirth Connection works to ensure that all women and babies get the best
possible maternity care. We have the collective vision and we know how to get
there, but we can't do it alone. Join the transformation
today.
The Transforming
Maternity Care website focuses on maternity care
system improvements designed to engage diverse stakeholders in quality
improvement efforts. The site offers full access to the landmark reports 2020 Vision and
Blueprint for
Action, features a Blog, and other
resources such as an Action Center, a
database of
quality improvement projects, an interactive data
center, and many more tools
for advocates and stakeholders.
Help Transform Maternity Care! |
