epidural side effects

There are immediate side effect and after effect for both mother and baby. The lists are Long and I just state a few common one. These side effects to the mother including drop in blood pressure that can cause cardiac arrest, others are shivering, skin itchiness, vomiting, fever, slowing down labour and requires more drugs use in the birthing process. The side effect to the baby includes fetal distress, passing of meconium during labour which requires emergency cesarean, separation of mother and baby after birth, interfering with mother baby bonding and breastfeeding. Low APGAR score meaning that baby is less responsive, weak muscle tone etc as compare to natural birth baby, higher risk of jaundice that requires more pricking and testing, requires phototherapy and mother baby separation again and put much stress to the baby emotional well being. Epidural is an effective form of pain relief for the labouring mothers who are unable to relax and much in distress. But it comes with Long list of side effects for both Mother and baby. There are alternatives method of birth such as water birth or learn HypnoBirthing, a deep relaxation techniques and natural childbirth education that enable you to birth comfortably relax. You may want to read this. http://sarahbuckley.com/epidurals-risks-and-concerns-for-mother-and-baby