Every mother goes through laboring experience differently and uniquely. One of them is indeed labor pain, which affects each mother differently. Labor pain is caused by contractions of the uterus muscles and pressure on the cervix. This pain can be felt as a strong cramping in the abdomen, groin, and back, as well as an achy feeling. Some women experience pain in their sides or thighs as well.
The perception of labor pain may vary to each person and oftentimes cause anxiety and fear – even phobia – to the pregnant mother. Nowadays – with advanced technology in the medical field – pain in labor can be greatly reduced with the help of anesthesia.
Regional Anesthesia is the common procedure used in delivering a baby, whether it’s a normal delivery or through C-section. In normal delivery, anesthetic will be given when contraction grows stronger and intense. This applies in C-section as well. Generally, the anesthetic can be delivered through two techniques, which are Spinal Anesthesia or Intrathecal Labor Analgesia (ILA) and Epidural Anesthesia.
So, what’s the difference between Epidural Anesthesia and Spinal Anesthesia? Aren’t they just the same? Well, here’s the differences:
- Epidural Anesthesia will work in longer duration (2 hours per injection, if being “topped-up” in the middle of medical procedure, it can last for several hours) compared to Spinal Anesthesia (1-3 hours). The dosage is also manageable through Epidural Caterer, allowing continuous anesthesia. For example, if difficulties in normal delivery occur and C-section must be executed, the anesthesiologist only needs to add more anesthetic substances into the catheter. Catheters are not used in Spinal Anesthesia. Anesthetic substance will be injected once with a thin needle.
- Epidural Anesthesia doesn’t lead to PDPH or Post Dural Puncture Headache, which can happen in Spinal Anesthesia.
- Economically, Epidural Anesthesia costs more than Spinal Anesthesia.
- Technically, Epidural Anesthesia is a more difficult procedure to be performed and really depends on the skills of the anesthesiologists.
- Both techniques are possible to lower the blood pressure.
Our body will respond to anesthesia differently, depending on the anesthetic substance given. The respond can come in many forms, like hypotension, hemiparesis or unilateral paresis, pruritus (an unpleasant sensation that provokes the desire to scratch), vomiting, nausea, or respiratory distress.
Many mothers are doubtful to receive anesthetic because they think it will be unnatural and they fear about the side effects in the future. Don’t hesitate to ask and discuss with your obstetrician and anesthesiologist about the procedure that fits you the best!
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