Patient's question:
Hello, my due date is the 27th. On the 24th night, I had contractions, about one every 10 minutes, each lasting about 5-6 seconds. By the morning of the 25th, the pain stopped. Then on the evening of the 25th, I had some minor blood spots down there, and my discharge increased. I also had occasional abdominal pain at irregular intervals. Is this a sign of labor? Why haven't I had the regular contractions everyone mentions yet? Also, is there any harm in getting an epidural for pain relief?Doctor's answer:
Pain relief during childbirth is simply the use of medication to alleviate labor pains. The dosage is kept at the minimum level, so it will not have any impact on the mother or the fetus. The amount of anesthesia required for pain relief during childbirth is much lower than that for a cesarean section, and it will not have any side effects on the mother or the baby. However, the anesthesiologist must have extensive experience and a strong sense of professional ethics. If the procedure is not performed correctly, it may lead to uterine inertia, prolonging the labor process. But theoretically, more serious complications are possible, such as hypotension, but the chances of these occurring are very low. Moreover, the doctor will take effective measures to prevent them from the moment you choose pain relief during childbirth.