Epidural Add Ons in Labor

When you think about an epidural for labor, you probably don't think of everything that comes with it. So if you decide to use an epidural and all of this other equipment comes out - you might wonder if everything is okay. Here's a rundown of somethings that come with an epidural.

Someone forward you this email? No Sweat! Sign up here to get your own If you're having trouble viewing this email, click here Follow Us Epidural Add Ons in Labor When you think about an epidural for labor, you probably don't think of everything that comes with it. So if you decide to use an epidural and all of this other equipment comes out - you might wonder if everything is okay. Here's a rundown of somethings that come with an epidural. Robin Elise Weiss, LCCE Pregnancy & Childbirth Expert IV Line in Labor   An IV line is started before you get an epidural. This is to help give you IV fluids to prevent a drop in your blood pressure once the epidural medications are given. The line will stay in until after you have had the baby. This ensures that they can give you medication quickly in the event of an emergency. READ NOW Fetal Monitoring for Labor   An epidural can have potential risks to your baby, to help watch out for your baby, you will have continuous fetal monitoring after you get an epidural. This is to ensure that your baby's heart rate stays stable after the medications are given. Usually this is external monitoring, but sometimes internal fetal monitoring is needed. READ NOW Pitocin to Speed Up Labor   Sometimes labor slows down once you get an epidural, or simply it was slow before. Either way, using Pitocin, via your IV line, will help stimulate contractions. They may also offer to break your amniotic sac (bag of water).  READ NOW How a Doula Helps With an Epidural   Doulas help women with all kinds of births, including births where women want epidurals. That said, you might not know what a doula can do to help if you're planning to use an epidural for your labor. READ NOW Featured Articles • Body Focused Repetitive Behavior Disorder: Get the Facts • What Is a Patellar Tendon Tear? • Best Headphones for Runners • Jane the Virgin's Gina Rodriguez Diagnosed with Hashimoto's Hypothyroidism • Memorize the 5 D's To Beat Smoking Urges • Do You Need Gift Ideas for Someone With Arthritis? • Best Products to Carry Your Phone on the Run • When are stents really needed? Advertisement About Pregnancy & Childbirth  |  Follow Us You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Pregnancy & Childbirth newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY, 10036 © 2015 About.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.