Quote:
Originally Posted by KappaKittyCat
If you just have an epidural it doesn't affect the child because the drugs aren't in your bloodstream, but in your epidural space. It's a type of nerve block, and while I don't understand the biology myself well enough to explain it, I had two separate individuals, an anesthesiologist and a neonatologist, explain to me that it was different, didn't have an affect on the baby, and that women who refused epidurals for that reason were (in their opinions) dumb.
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That may be true (and oh my GOD I loved my epidurals!) but there are other options to pain relief that may have an effect on the baby. Some smaller hospitals don't have an anesthesiologist on staff and can't give epidurals. They can only offer narcotics through the IV - nubain, stadol, morphine, etc...
There is also always some small risk with an epidural, too. But that goes back to researching and the level of risk you accept with the choice you make. I will probably have an epidural for any more kids I have - I know my body and my pain tolerance is low (and if my kids keep going the way they are, my next one will come out the size of a toddler). And I will share my experiences with people who ask.