Use of Epidural Anesthesia During Labor Increasing the Risk of Emergency Cesarean Procedures: An Integrative Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Epidural anesthesia, a pain relief used during labor, causes many risks to vaginal labor yet, most, if not all, doctors will administer it if requested. The main consequence of this pain medication that this paper will focus on is emergency cesarean sections, which lead to a multitude of issues in itself.

Objectives: This study is an integrative review aimed to strive to better understand the risks of both mentioned above, as well as use this information to better educate pregnant women.

Method: Many data bases were searched with the keywords epidural anesthesia, risks, and cesarean procedures.

Results: Many academics and health professionals have done extensive research in these fields to better determine the best options for women who desire natural birthing techniques.

Conclusion: The goal of this review is to identify risks factors of both procedures and help to educate others on why these options should be avoided, if possible.

Keywords: Epidural Anesthesia, Cesarean Section, Pregnant Women, Risks, Education