As you give birth, you expect an epidural to ease your childbirth pain. Many mothers choose this option believing it will make delivery smoother and less stressful. However, you may not realize the serious risks that come with this common procedure. Hence, understanding these potential injuries can help you make informed decisions about your care.

What is an epidural?

An epidural delivers pain relief medication directly into your spinal area. Your doctor usually inserts a thin needle between your vertebrae during labor. While this procedure helps millions of women each year, mistakes during insertion or medication delivery can often cause serious harm. Additionally, the risks increase when medical staff fail to follow proper protocols.

Five epidural injuries every mother should know

These medical errors can affect your ability to care for your newborn. When these complications occur, they can change your life and your baby’s future. Here are the specific risks you should watch out for:

• Nerve damage: You may struggle to hold, lift or carry your baby due to lasting pain, numbness or tingling in your body.
• Epidural hematoma: Blood clots pressing on your spine can leave you unable to walk or move, preventing you from caring for your infant without assistance.
• Infection or abscess: Bacterial infections can hospitalize you for extended periods, separating you from your newborn during critical bonding time.
• Paralysis: Loss of leg function means you cannot independently feed, change or comfort your baby without help.
• Cardiac arrest: This life-threatening emergency can result in brain damage or death, leaving your baby without a mother.

These complications extend beyond your physical health. They impact your ability to bond with and care for your child during those precious first months. Thus, recognizing these risks helps you realize when something goes wrong.

Protecting your rights during childbirth

You deserve safe medical care during one of life’s most important moments. If you experience unusual symptoms after an epidural, understanding your rights can make a difference in your recovery. Knowledge about what went wrong helps you protect both yourself and your baby from the lasting effects of preventable harm of birth injuries during childbirth.