Epidural anesthesia and VBAC
Epidural anesthesia and VBAC
Epidural anesthesia is considered safe and effective for controlling pain during childbirth. Studies have shown that epidural anesthesia does not increase uterine rupture rates during vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) trials of labor.1
Epidural anesthetic is injected into the space around the spinal nerves in the lower back. It numbs the area below the point of injection and allows you to remain awake during the delivery. If you cannot feel the urge to push, you may need coaching to know when to push.
When epidural anesthesia is used, fetal monitoring is recommended along with continuous attendance by a health professional.
References
Citations
Cunningham FG, et al. (2005). Prior cesarean delivery. Williams Obstetrics, 22nd ed., pp. 607–617. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Credits
| Author | Kathe Gallagher, MSW |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Last Updated | April 20, 2007 |
| Last updated: | April 20, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Kathe Gallagher, MSW |
| Reviewed By: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Editors: | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC |
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