Share
Home ›

epidural

  • Epidurals Potentially Cause Fevers During Labor

    A recent study found that more women undergoing an epidural run a fever during labor. As mother's temperature rose, the baby was more likely to experience problems.

  • BMI and Pregnancy

    QUESTION

    Dear Midwife,
    I am 23 years old and currently 27 weeks pregnant. I was recently called in to see a consultant at my hospital who has strongly advised me that I should have an epidural during labor as my BMI is 44.5 They are saying I am at greater risk of complications so should have an epidural because of this.

  • How Long Can Labor Be With a 2nd Pregnancy?

    QUESTION

    Dear Midwife,
    Hello, I am only 7 weeks pregnant as of now but this is my second child. I was wondering if the labor time will be less than with my first pregnancy.

  • Sex in Early Pregnancy and Other Questions

    QUESTION

    Dear Midwife,
    I am about 2 1/2 months pregnant. I was wondering if it is still okay to have sex while you are at this stage of pregnancy? I have another question, too. During labor and delivery, can you have an epidural and still deliver in a tub of water?

  • Help Your Baby Breastfeed Before It's Even Born

    A growing body of research reveals profound connections between a woman's birth experience and her ability to get breastfeeding off to a good start. But if you think of putting your baby to your breast as the fourth stage of labor it can help you visualize this connection.

  • Can I Labor in Water During a VBAC?

    QUESTION

    Dear Midwife,I am expecting my seventh baby. My sixth was an emergency c section due to fetal distress (meconium). I want to have a VBAC. I found a midwife that is willing to help me and I asked her if I would be able to labor in the water. She said, "No. After having a C-sec, your scar could open up like a zipper when in the water so that would not be possible.

  • Can Hemorrhoids Impair Delivery?

    QUESTION

    Dear Midwife,
    I am 5 months pregnant and its my first baby at age 42. However, I have hemorrhoids even before I got pregnant. My hemorrhoids are really big, both internal and external. One doctor described it as thrombosed and measures more than 2 cm each. I think they are more than one. Even if they are big, they dont hurt as long as I have a soft bowel movement.

  • Twins! Their Birth

    I was scheduled to go in to the hospital on April 8th for an induction at exactly 39 weeks. I was having no noticeable contractions, and had not been feeling any at all my whole pregnancy.

  • Is a Doula for Me?

    The word doula is a Greek word that means "Women's Servant." Women have been serving other women in childbirth for centuries and have proven that this support from another woman has positive effects on the labor process. When a doula was present, women were less likely to have pain relief medications administered, less likely to have a cesarean birth, and reported having a more positive childbirth experience.

  • Hypnobirth Tip #9: Your Birthing Choices

    What most expectant parent don't realize is that they truly are in charge of their baby's birthing. They get to choose the way the labor and birth go, as well as their baby's care after birth. It is no different than any other service that you pay for, except that it is much more important.

  • How Long Can Labor Be With a 2nd Pregnancy?

    QUESTION

    Dear Midwife,
    Hello, I am only 7 weeks pregnant as of now but this is my second child. I was wondering if the labor time will be less than with my first pregnancy.

  • Help Your Baby Breastfeed Before It's Even Born

    A growing body of research reveals profound connections between a woman's birth experience and her ability to get breastfeeding off to a good start. But if you think of putting your baby to your breast as the fourth stage of labor it can help you visualize this connection.

  • PUSH: Shot, in the Dark

    Epidural. In the Childbirth Universe, no four syllables have more power as an argument-starter. The word provokes defensiveness in some and smugness in others. There's hand-wringing. Rationalizing. Pontificating.

  • Can Hemorrhoids Impair Delivery?

    QUESTION

    Dear Midwife,
    I am 5 months pregnant and its my first baby at age 42. However, I have hemorrhoids even before I got pregnant. My hemorrhoids are really big, both internal and external. One doctor described it as thrombosed and measures more than 2 cm each. I think they are more than one. Even if they are big, they dont hurt as long as I have a soft bowel movement.

  • Can I Labor in Water During a VBAC?

    QUESTION

    Dear Midwife,I am expecting my seventh baby. My sixth was an emergency c section due to fetal distress (meconium). I want to have a VBAC. I found a midwife that is willing to help me and I asked her if I would be able to labor in the water. She said, "No. After having a C-sec, your scar could open up like a zipper when in the water so that would not be possible.

  • Sex in Early Pregnancy and Other Questions

    QUESTION

    Dear Midwife,
    I am about 2 1/2 months pregnant. I was wondering if it is still okay to have sex while you are at this stage of pregnancy? I have another question, too. During labor and delivery, can you have an epidural and still deliver in a tub of water?

  • Epidural Anesthesia

    Epidural anesthesia is the most popular means for pain relief during labor. In fact, more women ask for an epidural by name than any other method of pain relief. The possible benefits and potential risks of an epidural are explained in this article so you can decide if this option is right for you.

  • Hypnobirth Tip #9: Your Birthing Choices

    What most expectant parent don't realize is that they truly are in charge of their baby's birthing. They get to choose the way the labor and birth go, as well as their baby's care after birth. It is no different than any other service that you pay for, except that it is much more important.

  • Sandy's Surprise -- So Many Birthing Options

    We did a little more digging around, and unearthed this birthing center that is covered by our insurance, because it operates under an OB but employs certified nurse midwives. It sounds really, really nice...

  • BMI and Pregnancy

    QUESTION

    Dear Midwife,
    I am 23 years old and currently 27 weeks pregnant. I was recently called in to see a consultant at my hospital who has strongly advised me that I should have an epidural during labor as my BMI is 44.5 They are saying I am at greater risk of complications so should have an epidural because of this.