Childbirth is a major life-transforming event for a woman and the pain involved in the process varies from woman to woman.
Adequate preparation, both mentally and physically, is required by women throughout their pregnancy. This can also help in the reduction of anxiety and coping with labour.
However, there are options to ease the labour pain and an epidural is one of the most common and most effective types of anaesthetic for pain relief.
Why does China want hospitals to provide epidurals?
In order to make a 'friendly childbearing environment' for women, China has said that by the end of this year, all tertiary-level hospitals must offer epidural anaesthesia during childbirth.
According to official orders, tertiary hospitals —those with more than 500 beds —must offer epidural services by 2025. While, secondary hospitals i.e those containing more than 100 beds, must provide services by 2027.
The World Health Organization recommends epidurals for healthy pregnant women requesting pain relief and it is widely utilised in many countries around the world, including France, where around 82% of pregnant women opt to have one, and in the United States and Canada where more than 67% do.
How is an epidural administered?
According to the National Institutes of Health, an epidural block is given by an injection(shot) in a specific place in the lower back, directly over the spine.
The patient may be asked to lie on their side or sit up. Then they would be asked to pull their stomach and hunch their back outward.
Then the anaesthesiologist will insert a needle into the lower back, a needle is placed into a small space outside the spinal cord and a catheter is placed. The numbing medicine is then given for as long as it is needed. In about 10-20 minutes the medicine starts taking effect, enabling a pain-free labour experience.