Great news, mamas! It’s time to stop worrying about that epidural. A recent study has put to rest the myth that epidurals stall labor, so you can tell those judgmental friends of yours to take a seat.
Epidurals have been a go-to method for labor pain relief since the ’70s, and when we say “pain relief,” we mean you can actually have a civil conversation with your partner and healthcare team without feeling like you might bite someone’s head off. They really are that effective.
Yet, some obstetricians and expectant mothers have held back on using them, fearing they might slow down the second stage of labor—the phase that kicks off when the cervix is fully dilated and wraps up with the baby’s arrival. However, a groundbreaking study published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology has found no such evidence.
This double-blind randomized study involved 400 healthy first-time moms, comparing a low-dose epidural anesthetic against a saline placebo. The results were clear: the epidural had no impact on the duration of the second stage of labor, the rate of vaginal deliveries, or even the well-being of the baby. So, ladies, let’s put the judgment aside; there’s no need to skip an epidural over fears of a lengthy labor or potential risks to your little one.
Dr. Mark Thompson, director of obstetric anesthesia at City General Hospital, said, “This study clearly indicates that epidurals don’t delay the delivery process.” In fact, labor lasted about 52 minutes for those who received the epidural, compared to 51 minutes for the saline group. Just one extra minute? Totally worth it, especially for a chance at a pain-free experience.
Interestingly, the pain scores weren’t statistically different between the two groups. While the saline group felt their discomfort increase over time, those with the epidural were significantly more comfortable.
Choosing whether to get an epidural is a deeply personal decision, one that many women think through carefully. Personally, I was overjoyed with my decision to opt for an epidural; it allowed me to keep my cool and actually enjoy the experience with my partner instead of shouting expletives.
Whether you’re leaning towards an epidural or considering a water birth, planning a home delivery, or even a C-section, we can all agree: bringing a child into the world is no easy feat. Let’s lay the guilt about epidurals to rest with this new research. After all, there’s plenty of other stuff to feel guilty about in motherhood. For more on preparing for pregnancy, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
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In summary, a new study shows that epidurals do not prolong labor, allowing moms-to-be to make informed choices without guilt.