Vaginal childbirth is considered the most natural way to deliver a baby. At times it seems to be the ultimate goal of those assisting the woman in labor. But is it always the best?

Emergency cesarean section is associated with various complications and adverse outcomes, and therefore the factors that may potentially increase the risk of surgical intervention should be continuously monitored. The practice of obstetric analgesia continuously evolves, and new techniques may lead to unexpected problems.

Some women continue experiencing pain long after giving birth to their baby. The development of this unfortunate complication largely depends on the intensity of pain during and after childbirth. As epidural analgesia is the most effective method of relieving pain in labor, it is likely to be useful for preventing persistent pain after vaginal delivery.

“Will epidural harm my baby?” is a common question asked by expectant mothers, and childbirth experts are quick to point out possible complications and undesirable effects. However, research suggests that the effect of epidural on the baby is in fact beneficial.

While the never-ending debate on natural birth continues, the incidence of obstetric interventions, including epidurals and cesareans, is on the increase. There may be a good reason for it. Cats support it…

Sometimes childbirth is accompanied by urinary retention – inability to urinate that requires the insertion of urinary catheter. Statistically, women who receive labor epidurals are more likely to develop this complication. The simplest logical conclusion is that epidural causes it. However, at closer look the connection is not as simple as it seems.

In the early nineties medical research suggested that starting epidural early in labor may increase the risk of cesarean section. This has not been confirmed in other studies. Latest literature review revisits the debate of early vs. late epidural in labor.

In July last year a woman became the victim of a terrible accident when highly toxic sterilizing solution was injected in her epidural space. How likely it such error to happen in the future?