An epidural is normally given by an anesthesiologist, although the obstetrician is well qualified to also perform it. And an epidural, especially nowadays, is not necessarily given for "difficult" births. It is, like you said, a pain relief measure. It can, however, only be given during a short window of time. Given too soon, it can slow labor down. And given too late can cause problems also.
During labor. Epidural analgesia, sometimes called an epidural block, causes some loss of feeling in the lower areas of your body, yet you remain awake and alert. An epidural block may be given soon after your contractions start, or later as your labor progresses. An epidural block with more or stronger medications (anesthetics, not analgesics) can be used for a cesarean delivery or if vaginal birth requires the help of forceps or vacuum extraction. Your doctors will work with you to determine the proper time to give the epidural.
Epidural Analgesia - Epidural analgesia, sometimes called an epidural block, causes some loss of feeling in the lower areas of your body, yet you remain awake and alert. An epidural block may be given soon after your contractions start, or later as your labor progresses. An epidural block with more or stronger medications (anesthetics, not analgesics) can be used for a cesarean delivery or if vaginal birth requires the help of forceps or vacuum extraction. Your doctors will work with you to determine the proper time to give the epidural.An epidural block is given in the lower back into a small area (the epidural space) below the spinal cord. You will be asked to sit or lie on your side with your back curved outward and to stay this way until the procedure is completed. You can move when it's done, but you may not be allowed to walk around.Source: http://www.lifelinetomodernmedicine.com/ArticlePage.aspx?ID=e746e318-69c5-4fef-aa4d-899a827d08c0&LandingID=4f04afc4-4f77-4eff-b20c-01e6e6ede922
By definition an epidural is a shot that goes into the epi-outmost, dura- part of the spinal cord. In simple terms it is a long needle place between your back bones into the edge of the spinal column. An IV is place intravenously; meaning in the veins. There is medication for pain that can be given IV if one does not want and epidural. However, medication given in the blood stream may affect unborn children whereas medication in the spinal column does not.
Yes, you can get an epidural with each birth.
They are the same
epidural
yes you can have and epidural if you are induced - Christina ballesteros
Heck yeah, get the epidural! Especially if you are a woman in labor!
Epidural analgesia, sometimes called an epidural block, causes some loss of feeling in the lower areas of your body, yet you remain awake and alert. An epidural block may be given soon after your contractions start, or later as your labor progresses. An epidural block with more or stronger medications (anesthetics, not analgesics) can be used for a cesarean delivery or if vaginal birth requires the help of forceps or vacuum extraction. Your doctors will work with you to determine the proper time to give the epidural.An epidural block is given in the lower back into a small area (the epidural space) below the spinal cord. You will be asked to sit or lie on your side with your back curved outward and to stay this way until the procedure is completed. You can move when it's done, but you may not be allowed to walk around.Source: http://www.lifelinetomodernmedicine.com/ArticlePage.aspx?ID=e746e318-69c5-4fef-aa4d-899a827d08c0&LandingID=4f04afc4-4f77-4eff-b20c-01e6e6ede922
Epidural analgesia, sometimes called an epidural block, causes some loss of feeling in the lower areas of your body, yet you remain awake and alert. An epidural block may be given soon after your contractions start, or later as your labor progresses. An epidural block with more or stronger medications (anesthetics, not analgesics) can be used for a cesarean delivery or if vaginal birth requires the help of forceps or vacuum extraction. Your doctors will work with you to determine the proper time to give the epidural.An epidural block is given in the lower back into a small area (the epidural space) below the spinal cord. You will be asked to sit or lie on your side with your back curved outward and to stay this way until the procedure is completed. You can move when it's done, but you may not be allowed to walk around.Source: http://www.lifelinetomodernmedicine.com/ArticlePage.aspx?ID=e746e318-69c5-4fef-aa4d-899a827d08c0&LandingID=4f04afc4-4f77-4eff-b20c-01e6e6ede922
Essentially, when a spinal tap is given, a needle is inserted into the spinal canal in the lumbar area, medicine (or an anesthetic) is inserted directly into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Numbness is usually immediate. However, in an epidural, a hollow needle and a catheder are inserted into space between the spinal column and the outer membrane of the spinal cord (EPIDURAL space). Hence the name "epidural".