For years, many pregnant women have heard the same warnings. “There will come a time when you won’t be able to order epidural anesthesia.”. This is a phrase repeated among family and friends, and even during medical consultations. But is it true that there is a limit? … How to request it? According to mariaa realistic birth midwife expert and creator of the Gestaverso project (@gestaverso on TikTok), the answer is clear. There is no time limit for administering epidural anesthesia.unless your baby is literally about to be born.
@gesaverso Did you know that there are “limitations” to which epidural anesthesia can be applied? You’ve probably heard from a friend or family member, “If you dress too late, you’ll run out of time.” But…is that really the case? In this video, midwife Maria, a practical birth preparation expert, demystifies when you can get an epidural, how long it takes to take effect, and what the only real reason not to get an epidural is. 🩺 Spoiler: It takes 10-20 minutes for your body to feel the effects, but it doesn’t make sense to apply it only if you’re about to have a baby. At Gestaverso, we believe that understanding what’s going on inside your body is the best way to experience childbirth peacefully and without anxiety. Know it, practice it, and trust it. It’s the difference between arriving anxious or prepared. #birth preparation #jestabirth #safebirth
♬ Original song – Miyako
What actually is an epidural and how does it work?
Maria explains that epidural pain relief is: Safe and widely used anesthesia technique Giving birth. It consists of a puncture in the lower back to introduce a small catheter to administer pain medication and is always performed by an anesthetist. The goal is to reduce pain perception without completely affecting a woman’s mobility.
“The nervous system works with two senses: sensory and motor,” says the midwife. “When you become less sensitive to pain, you also lose some mobility. Dosage determines whether a woman can move or not».
How long does it take for an epidural to take effect?
One reason why the demand for epidural anesthesia may be limited is related to its duration of action. Once placed, Maria It takes about 10 to 20 minutes for it to take effect.This is because the anesthetic must pass through several barriers before reaching the appropriate nerve area.
Therefore, if your labor is very advanced and delivery is imminent, meaning your baby will be born within the next 15 to 20 minutes. There may be no point in putting it there.. This is not because it is “forbidden” or “slow”, but simply because the birthing process is faster than the time it takes for the anesthesia to take effect.
Myths and facts about epidural anesthesia
Maria seeks to break down the myths and fears that persist around childbirth. “There is no exact moment when the door to epidurals closes,” he argues. «Each childbirth is different and each woman has her own rhythm. “The only reason not to go in is if the baby is about to be born.”
Furthermore, it emphasizes that up-to-date and realistic information is essential for mothers-to-be to make conscious decisions. his focus is “Real birth preparation” It is based on exactly that, on teaching couples in a practical and up-close way how the birth process actually works in the body.
And for this midwife with many years of experience, Prenatal care is important. “Today, the real protagonists of childbirth are women and their partners. The more useful and practical information they have, the easier it will be to face the moment calmly and confidently,” he explains.
In a nutshell, epidural anesthesia is: Secure, flexible and fully compatible options With a conscious and respected birth. And, as the midwife recalls, “The most important thing is that the woman feels informed about her birth, accompanied and the protagonist.”
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