About the Treatment Method
Painless Delivery Process
When labor pains begin and the cervical dilation reaches about 3-4 centimeters (active labor phase), a thin catheter is placed between the vertebrae in the lower back by the Anesthesiologist. The medication given through here blocks the sensation of pain from the waist down within minutes.
Because drugs administered epidurally go directly to the nerve space, they mix very little into the blood, and their passage through the placenta to the baby is virtually non-existent; therefore, it does not put the baby to sleep or harm them. Sometimes, because it greatly reduces the sensation of pain, it can lighten the mother's urge to push; in this case, doctors and midwives monitor the mother from the screen and guide her pushing times.
Yes, this is one of the biggest advantages of the epidural. If a decision for an emergency cesarean section needs to be made during the normal delivery process, since the catheter in the lower back is already ready, only the dose of the medication is increased (converted to epidural anesthesia) and the mother can quickly be taken into cesarean section without being put to sleep (without receiving general anesthesia).
The information on this page is for general health advice. Please consult specialized physicians for personalized treatment or advice.
