Walking epidural

Definition

A walking epidural, also known as a combined spinal-epidural (CSE), is a type of pain relief administered during childbirth. This method combines both epidural and spinal block techniques, offering immediate relief with smaller doses of medication, allowing the mother to maintain some feeling in her legs. It’s called a “walking” epidural because the woman may have enough control of her legs to walk around during labor.

Key Takeaways

1. “Walking Epidural” is a term associated with a type of analgesia typically used during labor and childbirth. This type of epidural combines two different medications to help manage pain, while still allowing the mother to move around and walk during labor.
2. The main benefit of a Walking Epidural is that it decreased the total overall pain experienced by the mother during childbirth, not numbing the area completely thus providing relief while maintaining a certain level of sensation and control.
3. Despite its name, Walking Epidural does not necessarily guarantee the ability to walk. The mother’s mobility will depend on multiple factors including hospital policy, the dosage of medication administered, and individual physical response.

Importance

The term “walking epidural”, also known as mobile or ambulatory epidural, is significant in motherhood because it relates to a unique method of pain management used during labor and delivery.

It involves the administration of anesthesia through a catheter into the epidural space in the spine to numb the lower half of the body, while allowing the mother to retain some control and movement in her legs.

This gives the mother the ability to walk and move around during labor which can help with progression and provide comfort.

Utilizing a “walking epidural” can be a valuable strategy for mothers-to-be, allowing them to have a more active role in their labor, manage pain effectively, and potentially reduce the risk of interventions or complications caused by immobility.

Explanation

Walking epidural, also known as mobile, ambulatory or combined spinal-epidural (CSE), is a type of pain management technique used during labor and childbirth. Its purpose is to alleviate or significantly reduce the extreme pain many women experience during labor without completely numbing the lower body.

With a standard epidural, the woman is typically confined to bed due to heavy numbing and leg weakness. However, a walking epidural allows for a greater degree of feeling and movement in the lower body and legs, enabling some women to actually walk during labor.

The utilization of a walking epidural primarily aims to combine the benefits of both pain relief and mobility, thus affording women a more active role in their childbirth process. It provides a certain level of comfort, enabling mothers to concentrate, relax, and conserve energy for the pushing stage of labor.

Use of the walking epidural is intended to facilitate an experience during childbirth that is less stressful physically and emotionally, while still providing effective pain relief.

Examples of Walking epidural

A woman in a hospital labor ward choosing a walking epidural to manage her pain during childbirth. This allows her to remain mobile and potentially assist in progressing her labor, while still receiving pain relief.

A birthing center may promote the use of walking epidurals among their patients. These can be administered by a certified anesthetist to offer pain relief without causing total numbness or restricting movement.

A doula or midwife may guide a pregnant woman through her birth plan options, explaining the benefits and implications of a walking epidural. They may suggest a walking epidural as an alternative to a regular epidural if the woman wishes to remain more active during her labor.

Frequently Asked Questions about Walking Epidural

What is a walking epidural?

A walking epidural, also known as a combined spinal-epidural (CSE), is a form of pain relief for labor. It allows some feeling in the lower part of the body, enabling the mother to move and walk around during labor.

How does a walking epidural work?

The walking epidural involves injecting medication into both the epidural space and the intrathecal space within the spinal column. This enables the mother to feel some sensation and movement in her legs while still providing significant pain relief.

Is a walking epidural safe?

Yes, a walking epidural is generally considered safe for both the mother and baby. As with any medical procedure, there can be risks and side effects. You should discuss these with your healthcare provider.

What are the pros and cons of a walking epidural?

The pros of a walking epidural include the ability to move around during labor, effective pain relief, and the potential for a more active labor. Cons can include potential side effects such as itching, nausea, and a drop in blood pressure. It’s important to discuss these with your healthcare provider to make the best choice for your individual needs.

Does a walking epidural slow down labor?

There’s some debate on this topic, as some studies suggest that epidurals, in general, may slightly slow down labor. However, others have found that a walking epidural, which allows more movement, may not have this effect. Always discuss these concerns with your healthcare provider.

Related Motherhood Terms

• Birth Plan
• Labor and Delivery
• Pain Management
• Maternity Ward
• Contractions

Sources for More Information

• Mayo Clinic
  – Offering comprehensive information about different medical terms including “Walking Epidural”.
• WebMD
  – A trusted online medical resource which often includes information about various medical terms and procedures.
• Healthline
  – Consistently provides detailed information on a multitude of health-related topics, including labor and delivery procedures such as Walking Epidurals.
• Verywell Family
  – A resource often used by families for information on pregnancy, birth, and family health, including information on Walking Epidurals in the context of labor and delivery.