disadvantages
Last reviewed 01/2018
The disadvantages include:
- expense - on site anaesthetist, full supervision
- "unnatural" according to supporters of natural childbirth
- increased rate of forceps delivery, but this may be a result of the anaesthetic action on the pelvic musculature or a function of the condition for which the anaesthetic is used
- reduced blood pressure must be managed with fluids, can be profound in some cases due to loss of sympathetic tone
- accidental dural puncture: can cause severe headaches in some
- epidural haematoma may develop secondary to a bloody tap