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Pain Relief During Childbirth - Spinal Block
(The complete article covering all the options for pain relief during labor is available as a Podcast)
A Spinal Block (or Spinal) is an injection by very fine needle of local anaesthetic into the small of the back which causes the nerves of the womb and cervix to be numbed meaning you will feel no longer feel your contractions and will be pain-free.
Usually given during the second or pushing stage of labor, spinals are effective at allowing rapid pain relief especially if you are to have a forceps or ventouse delivery.
Sometimes Spinal Blocks are used alongside an epidural as the pain relief kicks in more quickly. Since a spinal is given via injection, unlike an epidural there will be no tube left in your back. However, the pain relief offered by a Spinal, although strong, only lasts around two hours and cannot be topped up since it is only possible to have one injection.
As with an epidural if you receive a Spinal your mobility will be limited as your legs and feet will be numbed and you may also feel shaky or shivery after administration. Some women also find that spinals cause feelings of sickness and you may also feel itchy and have some problems passing urine after the birth.
Both spinals and epidurals may also be used during c-sections allowing mothers to remain awake during the birth.
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