FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 2005
Contact: Kathleen Chambers
505-984-6289, kathleenc@mothering.com

Mothering magazine investigates The Hidden Risks of Epidurals

A common intervention, epdidurals are given to reduce pain during birth. But at what cost? A leading Australian physician discusses how this invasive procedure actually impedes labor—and harms both mother and baby.

Epidurals significantly interfere with some of the major hormones of labor and birth, which may explain their negative effect on the processes of labor. As the World Health Organization comments, “epidural analgesia is one of the most striking examples of the medicalization of normal birth, transforming a physiological event into a medical procedure.”

Epidurals slow labor and inhibit contractions by directly affecting the muscles of the uterus and the pelvic floor contributing to the doubled risk of an instrumental delivery—vacuum or forceps.

Women laboring with an epidural in place are almost three times more likely to be administered Pitocin, which augments labor. The combination of epidurals and Pitocin, both of which can cause abnormalities in the fetal heart rate, can indicate fetal distress, markedly increasing the risk of cesarean.

The side effects from epidurals range from minor to life-threatening, including drop in blood pressure, inability to pass urine, itching of the skin, nausea, vomiting, fever, breathing difficulties, postpartum hemorrhaging, toxicity and, sometimes, death. Overall, life-threatening reactions occur for around one in 4,000 women.

Some of the most significant and well-documented side effects for the baby derive from effects on the mother. Every drug that the mother receives in labor will pass through the placenta to her baby. Drug levels in the baby may be even higher than in the mother, which may cause direct toxic effects. A recent review also found higher rates of jaundice for epidural-exposed babies.

Neurobehaviorial studies highlight the possible impact of epidurals on newborns and on the evolving mother-infant relationship. Epidurals affecting the new mother can make breastfeeding more difficult. Babies exposed to epidurals are more likely to lose weight in the hospital and are less likely to be fully breastfed on hospital discharge. Baby’s breastfeeding abilities are highest among unmedicated babies. Several studies have shown that women who use no labor medication report the most satisfaction with their birth experience.

Epidurals are widely promoted as offering pain-relieving benefits, but they also present significant risks for the laboring mother and her baby. These risks are well documented in the medical literature but may not be disclosed to the laboring woman. Women who wish to avoid the use of epidurals are advised to choose caregivers and models of care that promote, support, and understand the principles and practice of natural and undisturbed birth

For more information and resources, read the featured story in the November/December 2005 Mothering magazine.

“The Hidden Risks of Epidurals” by Sarah J. Buckley

Mothering is a bimonthly magazine that reports on natural family living. Articles cover pregnancy, childbirth options, midwifery, breastfeeding, educational alternatives, and family health issues. Check out www.mothering.com

Representatives of the media may obtain a complimentary copy of a particular issue and/or receive a complimentary subscription to Mothering magazine by contacting Kathleen Chambers, Marketing Director, at kathleenc@mothering.com or call 505-984-6289.