Can epidural affect my baby??
Question:
Answers:
Affects of epidurals on newborn health is somewhat ambiguous and many factors may be contributing to newborn health at the time of birth.
Although research is somewhat ambiguous, most studies suggest some babies will have trouble "latching on" which can lead to breast-feeding difficulties.
Epidurals may cause your blood pressure to suddenly drop. For this reason your blood pressure will be routinely checked to make sure there is adequate blood flow to your baby. If this happens you may need to be treated with IV fluids, medications, and oxygen
Other studies suggest that the baby may experience respiratory depression, fetal malpositioning; and an increase in fetal heart rate variability, which may increase the need for forceps, vacuum, cesarean deliveries and episiotomies.
So, yes an epidural can affect your baby.
no
No, an epidural is shot directly into your cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid stays in your spinal column and is not transferred to your baby in any way.
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