At Radiology Medical Arts (500 East 14 St. New York, NY 10009) our doctors and medical professionals are using a set of diagnostic techniques and an Epidural Machine to diagnose and treat patients.

Do I need an epidural?

Whether you use an epidural or not is a personal decision. Although many women use an epidural to control pain, it is by no means necessary. Epidurals help ease the pain of contractions and delivery. They can also give relief to women experiencing long, grueling hours of labor. Numbing medication or epidural anesthesia is injected into your spine, blocking the nerve impulses from lower spine segments. The local numbing agent alleviates most of the pain you may feel during the epidural. Most women feel pressure and a stinging sensation as the epidural medication is injected through the needle. The epidural placement discomfort is about the same as having the IV inserted.  Most patients say they are more focused on the pain of the contractions, that they hardly notice the epidural placement.

When can you get an epidural?

Typically, you can receive an epidural as early as when you are 4 to 5 centimeters dilated and in active labor. Normally, it takes about 15 minutes to place the epidural catheter and for the pain to start subsiding and another 20 minutes to go into full effect. Epidural administration is a method of injecting medicine into the “epidural space” of the spinal cord. An epidural provides pain relief to your lower body during labor. Unlike some medicines, which are only administered once, epidural medicine usually constantly flows into your body through a small tube for the duration of your labor. It allows for decreased sensation while remaining fully conscious. Epidurals are the most used pain medication during labor in the U.S.

Do epidurals hurt?

The local numbing agent alleviates most of the pain you may feel during the epidural. Most women feel pressure and a stinging sensation as the epidural medication is injected through the needle. The epidural placement discomfort is about the same as having the IV inserted . Most patients say they are more focused on the pain of the contractions, that they hardly notice the epidural placement.

Are epidurals considered safe?

Epidurals are very safe for most women. However, there are some risks and side effects, as mentioned later in this post. If you get an epidural, you will be monitored throughout the time that the epidural is being administered. You can expect your blood pressure to be taken every couple of minutes for the first bit to ensure you are not having any negative side effects to the medication.

How long does it take for the epidural to kick in?

After a few minutes of the first dose, the nerves in your uterus will start numbing. You will begin noticing the effect within 10 to 20 minutes.

It is Ok (And Even Advised) to Get It Early

To administer an epidural, doctors insert a tiny tube into your lower back, and you have got to sit super still for it. (Yep, hard to do when contractions are coming in fast.) So, while you may have planned to tough out contractions for as long as possible before calling in backup, if you know you want an epidural, it is better to start the process before you are fighting off major, body-shaking waves of pain. The great news? Once it is in, you will feel relief fast—usually within 10 to 20 minutes.

It Could Impact How You Push

You may have heard rumors that getting an epidural can slow down labor, but studies show that is not true . One thing the epidural can impact. Your drive to push once you are fully dilated, since the pain impetus is not there. Do not sweat if you are worried about not knowing when to push—your team of doctors and nurses will monitor your contractions on a screen and coach you through pushing at exactly the right time.

You Should Be Able to Walk Around Shortly After Delivery

Once the epidural has been removed, most women can get up and move around shortly after your legs just might feel a little heavy or wobbly. (Odds are you will be too busy cuddling baby to go anywhere far, anyways.)

If you feel unwell or have any of the following symptoms, do not hesitate to stop by our offices or give us a call (212) 481-33333 or book appointment online at www.RadiologyMedicalArts.com and get yourself checked.

We accept all major insurances such as: Medicaid, Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, Aetna, GHI, United Healthcare, Health First, Metro Plus, Fidelis, Affinity, WellCare, and others.

Book your appointment online: www.RadiologyMedicalArts.com

Call our offices at: (212)481-3333