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i have heard of 2 recent births (the last couple of weeks) where they had an epidural, BUT it was a new type where their legs didn't go numb, only their belly and bottom parts were numb, therefore able to walk around directly after the birth.
has anyone heard of this epidural?? if this is the case, i will definately be asking for one during my labour.
Hi, I found this on the net for you...
:
The truth about walking epidurals
By Michelle Bowers
The majority of women who deliver a baby each year opt for pain relief. Many choose a walking or low-dose epidural, believing that they'll be able to pace the halls during their pain-free contractions. But that's not always the case. "A walking epidural is really a misnomer. The majority of women who have one aren't getting out of bed," says Linda Mayberry, R.N., Ph.D., associate professor of nursing at New York University. Below are the three most popular options for labor pain relief. All have the following drawbacks: The anesthesia may lower your blood pressure, which can slow the baby's heart rate; contractions may be slowed, in which case Pitocin (a synthetic version of the hormone oxytocin) may be used to stimulate them; increased monitoring such as blood pressure and fetal monitoring is required; and sometimes a bad headache may set in.
Epidural
Anesthesia, such as bupivacaine or lidocaine, is injected through a catheter into the space around the spine.The catheter remains in place, so additional doses can be given throughout labor.
Pros
Pain is nearly eliminated, and you'll remain alert
Relief is lasting because catheter remains in place
Anesthesia does not enter the baby's bloodstream
Cons
Anesthesia can take up to 20 minutes to kick in
You won't be able to walk
Since the lower body is numb, it may be difficult to push during delivery
Spinal block
With a spinal block, anesthesia is injected directly into the spinal cord fluid. Relief is fast, but wears off after a few hours. Since there is no catheter, additional doses aren't an option. Spinal blocks are frequently used late in labor.
Pros
Relief is almost immediate and you'll remain alert
Anesthesia doesn't enter the baby's bloodstream
Cons
You can't walk
Relief only lasts for an hour or two
Numbness may cause difficulty pushing in delivery
Rarely, an infection or nerve injury can result
Walking epidural
This option combines a narcotic like fentanyl (which dulls pain) with a lower dose of anesthesia (which blocks all sensation in one part of the body), leaving your legs less numb. Because of this, some women can move around and get out of bed. (Note: This isn't available at all hospitals.)
Pros
Pain relief is very rapid
Relief continues throughout labor since a catheter remains in place
You may be able to walk around
Cons
The narcotics can leave you groggy and the baby sleepy
Rarely, an infection or nerve injury can result
Hey Sirenz
this is not a new epidural, but a modification in the drug dose that they give to you via the epidural
when you have an epidural the anaethetist generally uses a mix of an opiate (fentanyl) and a local anaesthetic (bupivicaine)...with the modified dose, they give you more of the opiate than the anaesthetic agent. The anaesthetic agent does stay within your system longer, as it is not metabolised as quickly as the opiate, and this has a resulting accumulative effect. So for every top up of drugs you will get an increasing numbing sensation in the legs and belly region
Most hospitals do not like you walking around once you have had an epidural simply as you are at increased risk from a number of things...falling over being one of them...and they have to abide by occ and health safety protocols plus keep and extra eye on you and the baby (monitoring, plus a number of other interventions)
an epidural is always an option...but have a selection of natural alternatives that you can use before (if you need it at all) you think of it
xx yogababy
snap leasha :D
glad I got my facts right ;)
xx yogababy
I asked about this for my last birth - was basically told what the girls have said - that I'd have a hard time finding an anesthesist (sp!) that would do it. Apparently they don't like pregnant women with an off centre of gravity walking around with things in their spines. When it was put to me like that I went off the idea :lol:
yeah.. thanks ladies.. i'm kind of off that idea now lol.. i just don't like the idea of my legs being numb.. perhaps an epi isn't the way to go for me :(
I've had a walking epidural. 6 years ago for my first birth in a UK hospital and I was able to walk around. Whilst it was good pain relief, my labour slowed significantly as soon as it was put in and the resultant cascade of interventions made me regret the decision IMMENSELY.
Looking back on that first experience, I recognise that what I really needed was support, not drugs, something I was not getting from my midwife at the time.
My DD was also very sleepy for the first few days and I had alot of trouble establishing breastfeeding - which may have been a side effect of the fentanyl. If it were not for a very special post-natal midwife, I may not have persevered.
As I understand it, very few hospitals in Aus will allow you to walk around as there is a risk of falling, as the OP suggested.
Try a doula instead - we're better than drugs! :lol:
Cara