Expecting Fitness - Labor & Delivery

Benefits
Usually provides excellent pain relief
Small amount of medication is used, so you remain alert
Not very much medication reaches the baby
Safer than general anesthesia, if cesarean section is required

Disadvantage
May provide inadequate or patchy pain relief
Necessitates immobility, preluding walking or other movement that may help labor's progress
Decreased pushing urge and ability
Possible shivering, itching
Usually requires urinary catheterization
Requires continuous monitoring to detect complications and/or progress
Reduces experience of birth; mother becomes observer instead of full participant
Potential Risks to the Mother
Fever
Serious drop in blood pressure
Malpresentation or malposition
Since it may interfere with progress, increased need for Pitocin
Increased need for forceps and vacuum
Increased need for cesarean section
Severe postbirth headaches
Severe complications are very rare but include paralysis and death
Potential Risks to Baby
Medication crosses placenta
Septic workup and NICU care if maternal fever develops
Complications due to forceps, vacuum or cesarean section delivery
Respiratory depression
Increased likelihood of fetal distress due to mother's low blood pressure
Short-term neurobehavioral changes, including irritability and inconsolability.

News Episiotomis have in a new review of 26 studies been linked with higher risks of injury, more pain and trouble healing. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has said since 1983 that episiotomis should not be done routinely during childbirth. Episiotomis does not seem to affect incontinence, muscle strength or sexual function. Do your Kegel's to help prevent a perenial tear or the need for an episiotomy. Kegel's also most certainly help prevent incontinence and improve muscle strength and sexual function.