Birth Stories

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Re: Birth Stories

@redvelvet

@Reha,

Did the doctor explain why the epidural didn’t have more staying power? One of my khalas is dead against using pain killers for anything…even a headache. She thinks that too much use of painkillers impacts effectiveness of epidurals. I don’t know how true that is or if it’s a myth. And if it ain’t a myth…then I’m in trouble. I’m not saying that this is the reason for the trouble you had with the epidural…it’s just something that came to mind when I read your post.

That is not the reason RV. Epidural catheter is inserted in the membranes just outside of the spinal cord. Placing in wrong membrane causes its inefficiency. For a pregnant lady with a big bump, it is sometimes difficult to insert it accurately since she cannot bend to the appropriate position during insertion.

Being trained in Anesthesia, I did it different for myself with both deliveries I got the catheter inserted early during labour with minimum drug since it was easier to make the correct position then. I took the painkiller drug later after the pains set in irregularly because early drug in epidural can prolong and slow down the labour. Also, if epidural drug is given AFTER full labour pains, it doesnt work (which probably happened with reha). You need to block the pain receptors BEFORE they are activated with labour pains. So, the timing on catheter insertion and drug instillation matters a lot.

sorry for tmi