Pregnancy is one condition where doctors are completely frank and honest with the soon-to-be mothers. Unfortunately, many doctors fail to discuss the side effects of epidurals and the administration of anesthesia during pregnancy, because of which the consent of the woman is taken without her being fully informed.

There are many risks in the administration of anesthesia – whatever kind it may be. There may be adverse reactions because of the entry of a needle into the spinal column. The medication itself may also cause side effects. Some of the complications include toxicity due to high amounts of anesthesia or a spinal block. The maternal blood pressure may drop, there may be allergic reactions, fetal distress, headaches or any neurological injury. The biggest side effect of using epidurals however, is that the labor process slows down significantly if an epidural is administered.

Though paralysis due to administration of an epidural is very rare, it is still a possibility. Nerve injuries could be caused due to undue pressure while injecting the anesthesia or use of forceps.

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