Ease Your Labor Pain with the Walking Epidural
Labor Lowdown: All You Need to Know About Walking Epidurals
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The takeaway? Consult your healthcare provider about all your options beforehand.
By Jessica Thompson
Updated: May 23, 2022
Originally Published: March 2, 2022
Experiencing labor with an epidural can be quite an unusual feeling. You might find yourself lying there, feeling exposed, while a nurse or midwife encourages you to “push.” But how can you push when you can’t even feel your body? It’s as challenging as trying to summon a unicorn! Enter the “walking epidural.” Although not entirely new, this method is gaining popularity as a means to alleviate labor pain without completely numbing the sensations of contractions and pushing.
But what is a walking epidural, exactly? How does it differ from a traditional epidural? And what are the pros and cons? Let’s break it down.
What is a Walking Epidural?
Also known as a combined spinal-epidural (CSE), a walking epidural offers pain relief during labor. Simply put, it’s like a regular epidural but with a lighter anesthetic that’s administered less frequently. This allows for some pain relief while still maintaining certain sensations.
Administered by an anesthesiologist, the process typically takes about 10 minutes. Initially, the back is cleaned, and a local anesthetic is applied to numb the injection site. Then, the needle and catheter are inserted between contractions, allowing the laboring person to remain still.
Walking Epidural vs. Traditional Epidural: What’s the Difference?
The primary distinction between a walking epidural and a traditional epidural lies in the dosage and frequency of the anesthetic administered. What does this mean for the mother?
Lara Williams, a labor and delivery nurse, explains, “The process for receiving both types of epidurals is similar for the patient. The primary difference is in the placement of the needle and the type of medication used.”
Traditional Epidural
If you’re not keen on pain, a traditional epidural may be your best bet. You’ll feel minimal sensation in your lower body, which means you’ll need assistance to shift positions. While it numbs intense labor pains, this sensation can feel quite odd.
“In a traditional epidural, medication is administered into the epidural space, just outside where the spinal fluid and cord are located,” explains Williams. “A small catheter remains in place to deliver pain relief throughout labor, numbing the body from the belly button down.”
Walking Epidural
If the idea of losing the ability to push concerns you, consider a walking epidural.
“Walking epidurals use lower doses of medication, allowing women to move more freely during labor,” says Williams. “The medication is administered into a different part of the spinal column, providing almost instant pain relief. A catheter is left in place to deliver medication throughout labor, and the needle is removed afterward.”
Benefits of Walking Epidurals
For those who have had a traditional epidural, the experience can feel like a guessing game. A walking epidural can help you be more in tune with your body, which has numerous advantages:
- Quick onset of pain relief
- Greater mobility during labor
- Increased variety of positions, which can help the baby get into a better birthing position
- Potentially shorter labor due to easier movement
- Reduced need for interventions like forceps or vacuum assistance
- More effective pushing during the second stage of labor because you can feel contractions better
Drawbacks of Walking Epidurals
Unfortunately, the term “walking epidural” can be misleading. Many hospitals still won’t allow you to walk around, as the medication may still impair your mobility. You’ll likely still be confined to the bed, but you may experience more natural sensations of birth as you feel contractions.
Other potential drawbacks include:
- The medication may be less potent, leading to continued pain during contractions.
- Similar risks as traditional epidurals, such as decreased blood pressure and potential for spinal headaches.
- Most women with walking epidurals are not permitted to walk around for safety reasons.
- Epidurals can lengthen labor time; studies indicate an average difference of two hours during the second stage of labor.
- They may also cause lingering numbness post-birth, limiting mobility.
Is a Catheter Necessary with a Walking Epidural?
Yes, even with a walking epidural, a catheter is typically required. Since you won’t be mobile, it’s essential to manage urine drainage during labor. While catheters may seem intimidating, they can be inserted after the epidural takes effect, allowing you to focus on labor without additional concerns.
How Long Does a Walking Epidural Last?
A walking epidural can remain effective for up to five days if administered correctly. However, labor usually doesn’t last that long, so you can expect it to last as long as you need it.
Why Haven’t You Heard of This Before?
Many healthcare facilities do not offer walking epidurals, though the reasons remain unclear. Williams suggests that some laboring moms may choose to convert their walking epidural into a full epidural for complete pain relief.
Her advice? Discuss all options with your doctor during prenatal visits. “Not all hospitals provide the same pain relief interventions, so it’s crucial to know what’s available to make informed decisions before giving birth,” she suggests.
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Summary
Walking epidurals provide an alternative method for pain relief during labor, allowing for some mobility and a more natural experience compared to traditional epidurals. While they may not enable full mobility, they can help laboring individuals stay more aware of their bodies. It’s essential to consult your healthcare provider about options available for pain management during labor.