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Spinal Block; A Viable Option for Pain-Relief During Labor
Derek Covarrubias
What Is a Spinal Block?
Spinal blocks are a type of local anesthesia that is injected below the spinal column in order to provide numbness to pain during labor. Typically the narcotics or anesthetics used are fentanyl, bupivacaine, or lidocaine (Editor, 2021). It is important to note that spinal blocks are typically used when there is a complex pregnancy or when a Caesarean section is needed unlike epidurals which are used for pain relief during a normal pregnancy. A benefit of the spinal block over an epidural is that the effects begin almost immediately after injection and can last up to two hours. Sometimes, two hours may not be enough so a repeated dose may be needed though. This reason is enough for many to opt for a epidural because they would rather not have multiple spinal injections. Additionally, there is no catheter needed to continually administer the spinal block since the injection does the trick, unlike an epidural which needs a catheter but once the catheter is in, the patient is good to go.
A Simplified Process of Receiving a Spinal Block
Step 1:
Step 1:
Sterilization of hands and tools that will be used. This is done in order to prevent infections.
Step 2:
Step 2:
The area where it will be injected is cleaned.
Step 3:
Step 3:
In some cases, the area can be numbed by a local anesthetic. (This is done if the needle might cause some discomfort or pain)
Step 4:
Step 4:
An IV is used to provide fluids and sometimes medications.
Step 5:
Step 5:
Spinal block is injected into the fluid around your spinal cord.
Step 6:
Step 6:
Effects are seen almost immediately.
Spinal blocks are generally safe but it is important to inquire with your doctor about some uncommon risks that may arise which are listed below (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021):
Allergic reactions to medications
Bleeding near the spinal column (Hematoma)
Hard time urinating
Low blood pressure (Hypotension)
Infection in the spine (Meningitis or Abscess)
Damage to the nerves
Seizures (in rare cases)
Severe headache
Difficulty pushing during the second stage of labor
Itching (Pruritis)
Medications might cross over the placenta into the baby’s bloodstream
Difficulty for the baby with breastfeeding
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References
Editor. (2021, December 9). Spinal block. American Pregnancy Association. Retrieved March 17, 2023, from https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/labor-and-birth/spinal-block/#:~:text=A%20spinal%20block%20is%20a,as%20long%20as%202%20hours.
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2021, April 18). Spinal and epidural anesthesia: Medlineplus medical encyclopedia. MedlinePlus. Retrieved March 17, 2023, from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007413.htm
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