Epidural Use During Labor -- Women With Corrective Spine Surgery

If you have had corrective spine surgery and are thinking of having an epidural for childbirth, there are a few things you should know:

• The anesthesiologist uses bone landmarks on your back to find the right spot for your epidural. If you have had spinal surgery, this spot may be harder to find.

• If you have metal rods or bone grafts in your spine, an epidural may not work as well as normal. Medicine in the epidural may not spread out the way it should, which can prevent total pain control. Pain relief may be spotty.

• There is a higher chance for a "spinal headache," which may be hard to treat.

• You may have a slightly higher risk of infection due to the metal in your back.

Remember: Bring any back x-rays or operative reports to the hospital when you go into labor. They will help the doctor learn more about your spine surgery.

An anesthesiologist will try to place an epidural. However, there is no guarantee that the epidural will give good pain relief. There is a chance that the epidural may not work at all.

If you have questions, please call Parent Ed Pre-admission education and assessment at (302) 733-2513 to schedule a phone interview with an anesthesiologist.