Pharmacy Technician Certification

Childbirth has been around for as long as man has roamed this world, and as far as I know, it hasn’t changed in any way through the centuries. The basic biology of conceiving a baby, carrying it, and delivering it, remains the same. It’s only the women, or rather the nature of the women who undergo the pregnancy, that has changed. With the advent of medicine and technological advances that are designed to make life easier, we’re able to make the laborious process of birth a little easier.

Epidurals are the choice of almost every woman who does not want to give birth screaming from the pain and being too exhausted to push when the doctor says she must. Natural births are better for recovery as opposed to one that’s done by a C-Section, so the women choose an epidural to avoid pain as much as possible. But there are downsides to an epidural that you must be aware of before you opt for one:

• It’s not always a guarantee to a pain-free birthing experience – the effect may wear off as your labor progresses, and the anesthesiologist may not always be around to augment your initial dose.
• Some epidurals may not work the way they’re meant to because of various reasons like your body’s acceptance and tolerance to the drug and your anesthesiologist’s skill – they may numb only one side or may not wipe out the pain entirely.
• If your labor is quicker than expected, there may not be enough time for an epidural.
• An epidural confines you to a bed which makes it difficult for your baby to come out. Without an epidural, you’re more in control of your lower body and can give birth while squatting, on your knees or upright.
• If an epidural is given too early, it could slow down labor, and in some cases, lead to an emergency C-Section.
• Epidurals may sometimes result in a fever, and there are doctors who tend to give you antibiotics which are normally unnecessary at this stage. Antibiotics lead to vaginal infections for you and can give your baby thrush, a kind of fungal infection.
• Epidural-assisted births may need the use of forceps or a vacuum which means that you may need an episiotomy, a procedure where your vaginal opening is surgically enlarged to facilitate the doctors attending to your delivery.
• Epidurals may cause your vagina to tear when the baby comes out.

Opting to have an epidural injection is not a sign of weakness, as some women are prone to think. In the end, it’s your body and hence, your choice. Whatever your decision, make it well in advance and be aware of all the pros and cons associated with an epidural-assisted birth. Talk to your doctor and to other women who have gone down the same road before you, and make an informed decision one way or the other.

You can reduce the pain associated with labor by practicing relaxation techniques, attending natural childbirth classes, and learning to suppress your fear. Fear makes your uterus cramp up and this makes it harder for your baby to come out. While there are no guarantees to a pain-free delivery, remember that a baby is a reason for joy, so no matter how painful the birth, you’re always going to forget it the moment your little one is placed in your arms.