Giving birth should be a beautiful and special experience for every mother.

Painless birth, also known as epidural birth (epidural anesthesia), which is popularly known as princess birth in the public, helps to alleviate the pain of childbirth. Epidural anesthesia is used as an effective and popular treatment method to enhance the tolerability of labor pains.

Pregnant women feel safe and secure when they know there are effective ways to alleviate pain. That’s why they decide to have an epidural birth.

If you are considering an epidural to help manage labor pain, you are not alone. Two-thirds of women giving birth in hospitals choose epidurals for pain relief during labor, and there is a good reason for that: Epidural is considered one of the safest methods of pain control. Only a small amount of medication is needed to achieve the desired effect, which means the drugs will not affect your baby’s system since they will barely reach your bloodstream (unlike general anesthesia or sedatives). It eliminates the pain caused by contractions and allows you to remain awake and alert during childbirth.

Why is it called Princess Birth?

In a normal birth, the use of epidural anesthesia helps reduce the intensity of pain. Over time, due to the comfortable experience of giving birth through this method, it began to be called “princess birth” in the public.

What is Epidural Natural Birth?

Epidural anesthesia is administered to the expectant mother during childbirth to effectively reduce pain while allowing her to remain awake and experience and control the birth. Epidural is the most popular form of medication-based pain relief during childbirth.

Epidural anesthesia involves administering drugs that numb a specific region into the spinal space below the person’s back. The dosage of medication is adjusted so that the woman giving birth can still feel contractions. Depending on the patient’s needs, the medication can be repeated at specific intervals.
Epidural birth is also known as epidural analgesia. It is a highly effective and popular method of pain relief for childbirth.

– Epidural anesthesia does not completely eliminate the pain during childbirth.
– Its aim is to increase the woman’s ability to tolerate pain.
– It provides a more comfortable labor process.

How is Epidural Anesthesia Administered?

Epidural anesthesia is injected into the epidural space, technically between the vertebrae covering the spinal cord and the membrane covering the spinal cord. It numbs the lower part of the body, allowing the expectant mother to be an active participant during childbirth and fully awake when it is time to meet the newborn.

Preparation prior to epidural anesthesia begins by sterilizing the intended area with an antiseptic. Local anesthesia is then applied to a small area on the back. Once the local anesthesia takes effect, the person is instructed to lie on their side. A needle is inserted into the spinal cavity in the lower back, and a flexible catheter is placed at the site where the medication is delivered. The catheter is secured with tape to prevent movement. The numbing effect of the medication is typically observed within 10 minutes. Epidural anesthesia numbs the area below the chest and allows the person to remain conscious, facilitating control during childbirth.

Who Should Not Receive Epidural Anesthesia?

Epidural anesthesia is not administered to individuals who:
• Have an infection in the skin at the application site.
• Are taking blood-thinning medications.
• Have a high risk of bleeding.
• Have high blood pressure.

What Are the Benefits of Epidural Birth?

• Epidural allows the mother to remain awake and actively participate in the birthing process.
• In long labors, it allows the mother to rest and regain strength.
• It reduces labor discomfort, providing a more positive birthing experience.
• It is safe for both the mother and the baby.
• It is generally effective.

What Are the Risks of Epidural Birth?

Like any medical procedure, there are risks associated with receiving an epidural. However, the incidence of serious side effects from epidural birth is extremely low.

Commonly observed effects may include:
• Back and headache
• Itching
• Nausea, vomiting
• Pain at the injection site
• Nerve damage
• Difficulty urinating
• Slowing of the baby’s heart rate

While these risks exist, it is important to note that they are rare occurrences.
While preparing for your birthday, try to learn as much as possible from obstetricians about options that can reduce pain, so that you can make better decisions during labor and delivery. Understanding different types of epidurals, how they are administered, their benefits, and risks will help you make decisions during the birth process.