Why does epidural wear off

My blood pressure spiked suddenly a few days before my due date, which meant I had to be induced, and as my labour progressed, it was deemed medically advisable to have an epidural to help lower my blood pressure. So, like about half of moms-to-be, I ended up calling in the anaesthesiologist. Epidural anaesthesia is the most effective pain relief option used in hospital births and the most common one labouring moms ask for by name. An estimated 40 to 70 percent of first-time moms opt for this form of anaesthetic.

Sign up to get weekly email updates on your baby ». An anaesthesiologist will ask you to sit up on the edge of the hospital bed and will wipe your back with an antiseptic to reduce the chance of infection. Then they will position a large needle between the bones of your spine in your lower back, making space for a catheter a small plastic tube to be inserted into the area just outside the cover of the spinal canal.

A mixture of anaesthetic and an opioid like fentanyl is then injected through the catheter. There are essentially two kinds of epidurals. A low-dose epidural means there is a low-dose constant infusion, which the patient controls by pushing a button to increase the dose whenever they feel they need it, up to a preprogrammed maximum.

The second type of epidural is a spinal anaesthetic that is delivered in one shot, designed to wear off over time. This is used mainly for planned surgery, like a C-section. An epidural has the ability to completely erase pain, while other forms of pain management do just that—they help you manage or dial down the pain.

During labour, practitioners often talk about pain levels on a scale of one to Some options, like having nitrous oxide or soaking in a hot bath, just subtly take the edge off, bumping you from a nine to an eight, for example. An epidural, on the other hand, can take things from a nine to a zero, though there is still some sensation, which allows you to push.

On the other hand, Bupivacaine requires 30 to 45 minutes to work, but can then last between and minutes. The same goes for the opioid medications in the mix, with Fentanyl and Demerol catching on quickly, and morphine requiring a full episode of The Wire before it kicks in. As with the locals, the medication that takes longer to start helping you out is also the one that lasts. Regardless of the cocktail you receive, most epidurals take between 10 and 30 minutes to provide relief.

Again, depending on the drugs, they can last anywhere from one hour to a full day. During my pregnancy, I worried a lot about becoming an epidural cautionary tale. What if my spine was too weird? What if it only took on one side? Page last reviewed: 11 March Next review due: 11 March Overview - Epidural Contents Overview Side effects. An epidural is an injection in your back to stop you feeling pain in part of your body.

When epidurals are used Epidurals can be used: during labour and childbirth , including caesareans during some types of surgery after some types of surgery Steroid medicine can also be given with an epidural injection, to treat pain in your back or leg that's caused by sciatica or a slipped prolapsed disc.

Preparing for an epidural If you have any concerns or questions about having an epidural, discuss these with your doctor. You may be given specific advice about eating, drinking and medicines before the epidural.

How an epidural is given Epidurals are given by a specialist doctor called an anaesthetist. A drip will be placed in your arm so you can be given fluids while you're having the epidural.

You'll be asked to sit down and lean forwards, or lie on your side with your knees up close your chest. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

How long will it take to wear off? What is an epidural? When can you get an epidural? What to expect with an epidural. Who is a good candidate for an epidural? Safety and epidural risks. What does an epidural feel like? Parenthood Pregnancy Pregnancy Health. No Medication. How Painful Is Childbirth, Really? What to Expect During a Vaginal Delivery. Read this next. Pain Relief in Labor: Medication vs. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.