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Epidural Information
November 2, 2008 |
One of the most common ways to relieve pain during childbirth
is by receiving an epidural injection in the lower back.
Dr. Aparna Eligeti is an Ob/Gyn with Lee Memorial Health System.
She says in most
cases, “Epidural will numb the woman so that woman will not feel pain but can still
feel the pressure of labor.”
But before a pregnant patient can receive the spinal injection she must go over
a thorough medical history with an anesthesiologist. “The anesthesiologist would
evaluate the situation and see if they’re an appropriate candidate,” says Dr. Eligeti.
In recent years many pregnant women have been concerned that having a lower back
tattoo could prohibit them from receiving an epidural. But physicians say that is
simply a myth. “Having a tattoo on your back is not exclusion for epidural. The
only thing that usually prohibits women from getting an epidural is having problems
with their backs, spinal surgery in the past, disc problems, previous motor vehicle
accidents with problems to their spine.” Receiving an epidural injection after you’ve
had back or spinal injuries would not likely
be effective in numbing pain and can
even cause damage to the nerves in your back.
Physicians commonly recommend epidural injections for women who have high blood
pressure during pregnancy or if a difficult delivery is expected. |
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