From what I understand an epidural is like acupuncture in the spine, so laying down, and other birthing activities, would likely… Excuse the graphic nature of this,, shove the needle fully into the spine.
How??
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The needle is used to deliver a plastic tube, epidural catheter, into your “epidural space” which delivers the medication. The needle is removed but the catheter remains and is “usually” not uncomfortable.
The needle doesn’t stay in. It’s just used to insert the catheter that delivers the anesthesia.
A needle is used to place a catheter in the spinal space and the needle is removed leaving the catheter behind. The catheter is secured so it doesn’t move. You don’t have a large rigid needle stuck in your spine while giving birth.
Source: watching my wife get an epidural twice.
Someone who is far enough along in a pregnancy to be birthing would not be comfortable lying on their back anyway — it’s not recommended by doctors for pregnant people to lie on their back past 15 weeks because the weight of the foetus and their uterus can literally compress the vena cava (a major artery) and prevent both foetus and parent from getting oxygen.
not acupuncture, delivers local anesthetic to the spinal nerve. a tube is maybe left in for any extra needed.
the medicine is just local, so it does not affect the baby or mothers system. it essentially cuts of sensation from the waist down
also it is always delivered on your side
>From what I understand an epidural is like acupuncture in the spine
Nope! It’s an injection into the spine, but much like other injections, the needle is withdrawn (leaving a flexible little tube through which the medicine is delivered over time).
Due to the delicate nature of the spinal column, the patient tends to be held very still by at least one rather large dude as the needle is inserted.
I’m always a bit bemused by tv births because in reality you don’t give birth lying on your back, it prevents your pelvis from opening up.
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