Do Epidurals Affect Babies?
By Tine Reese
January 5, 2010In making your decision to use or not to use an epidural for pain relief during labor, have you wondered what effect the medication can have on your baby? Turns out that is a difficult question to answer. A recent article on Suite101.com titled Do Epidurals Affect Babies? says, “While it is clear that epidurals cross the placenta and reach the baby and can both indirectly and directly affect babies, we still don’t know exactly how epidurals can affect the baby in every situation and for every mother and baby.” Probably not what you wanted to hear!
There is no clear-cut medical answer as to how an epidural will affect your baby, but recent studies have concluded the following:
- Epidurals do cross the placenta and enter the baby’s bloodstream.
- Epidurals can cause a mother’s blood pressure to drop, in turn causing the baby’s heart rate to drop.
- Research shows that women push longer when they have an epidural which increases the odds of a forceps, vacuum or cesarean delivery.
- Epidurals affect babies in the first hours after birth with regard to breastfeeding, latching-on and other behaviors.
As you prepare for your birth, try to be informed about the risks and benefits of epidurals and all other medical interventions that you might have to make game-day decisions about. Make sure you and your partner are on the same page about all issues regarding your labor and birth so that he/she can be a good support and advocate for your wishes.
Here are a few website that provide information about epidurals:
- AmericanPregnancy.org
- Natural Pregnancy Mentor: Epidural Side Effects
- Tender Beginnings: Epidural Research
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Comments
Last week, I watched a documentary called “The Business of Being Born” It was so fascinating. I’m sure you’ve seen it. Anyway, I didn’t have a good birth experience at the hospital being induced. Had an epi and baby’s heart rate dropped and it was frightening! Next time I really want a different experience. What’s sad is the lack of information for expecting mothers! Did not realize this until I watched the documentary. Your blog is awesome. Thanks for helping to spread the word about midwifery.