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Epidurals: Possible Complications and Side Effects
(Originally posted on About Anesthesiology)
- There is a chance of headache with an epidural just as with
the intrathecal. Although a hole is not intentionally made in
the dura, sometimes the dura is punctured by accident.
- Drop in maternal blood pressure is common. If this drop is
too severe it can have effects on the fetus.
- Muscular weakness is common.
- Common side effects include pruritis (itching), urinary retention,
nausea and vomiting.
- More serious complications such as epidural hematoma and
respiratory depression are fortunately very rare
- Back pain and soreness - just as with any situation where
a needle is inserted into your, the site may be tender afterwards
- Can cause a fever in the mother raising suspicion of infection
in the baby
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Epidural?
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