What It Actually Feels Like To Give Birth Without An Epidural

When To Avoid An Epidural

There are some situations when women cannot receive epidurals. If you are on certain medications such as blood thinners, or if you have low platelets or problems with blood work, getting an epidural is highly risky and not recommended. Some women have an unusual curvature or extra weight in their spine that makes it difficult to find epidural space. If you happen to be bleeding heavily, it may be too dangerous to get an epidural since lowered blood pressure is often a side effect of the anesthesia. There is also a certain point during labor where it may be too late to administer an epidural. Every hospital policy is different, but it is usually late into active labor before the transition phase begins.