A scientific, safe way to reduce the pain of natural birth
With an epidural you can experience natural birth calmly, without unbearable pain, beside a specialist team.
The epidural in plain language
An epidural is a scientific method of reducing labor pain. An anesthetic is injected into the space around the spinal cord, known as the epidural space. The mother stays fully conscious while the pain of uterine contractions drops considerably.
- The mother is awake through labor and sees the moment her baby is born.
- An epidural does not stop the natural course of labor.
- Beyond pain relief, the mother can still walk around and stay active.
Why do mothers choose an epidural?
The fear of severe pain fades.
The mother can cooperate far better during delivery.
The experience of birth becomes calmer and more humane.
The partner and family feel far more secure.
Safety and possible side effects
We always say this honestly: no medical procedure is risk-free. An epidural, too, may have temporary side effects:
- A mild headache or back pain, usually short-lived.
- Itching, which occurs in about ten percent of cases and resolves immediately with medication.
- Soreness at the needle site, which settles within a few days.
- Urinary retention, which happens occasionally and is transient.
Serious complications such as nerve injury or motor problems are very rare. At Aramis, epidurals are performed by experienced anesthesiologists in full compliance with standards. Epidural analgesia leaves no lasting complication for either mother or baby.
Myths and facts
An epidural causes paralysis.
This is a myth. Permanent nerve injury is exceedingly rare.
An epidural affects the baby badly.
A standard, properly performed epidural has no negative effect on the baby's health.
After an epidural I will not be able to move.
Epidural analgesia does not numb the legs. The mother becomes pain-free, not numb.
Epidurals are only for certain countries.
It has been the standard method of labor pain relief worldwide for years.
How the epidural is done at Aramis
- 1
Preparation
The anesthesiologist talks with the mother and answers every question.
- 2
Positioning
The mother lies on her side or sits upright.
- 3
Injection
The analgesic is injected through the lower back into the epidural space.
- 4
Monitoring
The mother's vital signs, the baby's heart rate and the level of pain relief are checked continuously.
- 5
Delivery
Free of severe pain, the mother goes through natural labor calmly.
The partner's role in the epidural
For many partners, the safety of mother and baby is the greatest concern.
- The epidural is a global standard of care.
- The mother stays conscious throughout labor and can talk with you.
- Your presence, together with the Aramis team, doubles her sense of calm.
Ready to welcome childbirth without fear?
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