epidural, Obstetrics and Gynecology FAQ

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Cesarean vs. Natural Birth: Pros, Cons, and Key Considerations

Cesarean section vs. vaginal delivery Hello Doctor: 1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of cesarean section versus natural childbirth in terms of pain intensity and duration (for the average person), and what are the respective precautions? 2. Are there any side effect...


Dr. Xu Junrui Reply:
1. Advantages of vaginal delivery: smaller incisions, faster postpartum recovery, lower risk of postpartum hemorrhage, no need for anesthesia, and shorter hospital stay. Disadvantages: longer labor duration (intense contractions) and higher likelihood of pelvic floor prolapse in ...

[Read More] Cesarean vs. Natural Birth: Pros, Cons, and Key Considerations


Is Early Delivery Beneficial for Older Mothers? Insights and Considerations

Is it okay to give birth two weeks early? Hello, doctor: 1. Regarding the white issue with the labia minora, I will have to wait until my next appointment to discuss it, as I forgot to ask during today’s visit due to feeling dizzy. Also, I started taking the medication on Febru...


Dr. Lin Wenbin Reply:
1. If you miss a dose of medication, taking a pill later may not provide sufficient efficacy, which could lead to the onset of menstruation. You can assess this for yourself. 2. Advanced maternal age does indeed increase the risk of stillbirth. Therefore, it is recommended to i...

[Read More] Is Early Delivery Beneficial for Older Mothers? Insights and Considerations


Is Epidural Anesthesia Effective for Pain Relief During Labor?

Painless childbirth Hello, doctor. Does painless childbirth really have a significant effect on pain relief? If I receive it, will there be any side effects afterward? Thank you.


Dr. Lin Wenbin Reply:
According to literature reports from post-event investigations, epidural analgesia for labor pain relief can indeed reduce the pain associated with childbirth. However, any medical procedure carries a certain risk of complications. Epidural analgesia is no exception, with approxi...

[Read More] Is Epidural Anesthesia Effective for Pain Relief During Labor?


Can Epidural Anesthesia Be Used for Labor with Herniated Discs?

Is it possible to have an epidural during childbirth if there is a herniated disc? 1. I accidentally came across an article about painless childbirth that listed "severe herniated disc" as a contraindication for epidural anesthesia, which made me very anxious because I ...


Dr. Dong Yuhong Reply:
Hello; severe disc herniation or other serious spinal conditions are generally not recommended for regional anesthesia or painless delivery. In your case, it is advisable to consult your obstetrician regarding the recommended method of delivery. You should also review your examin...

[Read More] Can Epidural Anesthesia Be Used for Labor with Herniated Discs?


Concerns During Pregnancy: Cervical Insufficiency and Cerclage Surgery

Concerns during pregnancy: cervical incompetence and cervical cerclage? Hello Dr. Liu, Several years ago, I underwent five artificial abortions (dilation and curettage), three of which were due to embryonic demise with no heartbeat. Subsequent examinations, including chromosoma...


Dr. Liu Yuhong Reply:
A. Regarding cervical length and preterm birth: 1. Transvaginal ultrasound is more accurate for measuring cervical length. 2. The optimal time for measurement is between 18 to 24 weeks of pregnancy; a cervical length of less than 2.5 cm is associated with a 10-20% risk of preterm...

[Read More] Concerns During Pregnancy: Cervical Insufficiency and Cerclage Surgery


Concerns About Labor Progress and Pain Management for Third Pregnancy

Could you please provide more details about the issues related to labor and delivery? Hello Dr. Lu, I would like to ask you a few questions. I am currently expecting my third child, with the due date on the 15th. 1. On the 12th, I started experiencing contractions every 10 min...


Dr. Lü Lizheng Reply:
Hello: 1. If you have undergone continuous fetal heart rate monitoring for several sessions, each lasting 30 minutes, and there are no abnormalities, it indicates that the fetal condition is generally good, so please do not worry too much. 2. Generally speaking, the risk to t...

[Read More] Concerns About Labor Progress and Pain Management for Third Pregnancy


Postpartum Vaginal Gas: Is It Normal and How to Address It?

Postpartum issues? Hello Director Liang: I gave birth in early August this year, and since then, I have frequently experienced gas being expelled from my vagina. I had a natural delivery (with epidural anesthesia and an episiotomy). I would like to ask: 1. Is this normal? If not,...


Dr. Liang Yinpan Reply:
Hello, Dream Network User: The possible reasons for the frequent passage of gas from the vagina after childbirth are as follows: 1. After delivery, the uterus and vagina may become relaxed and distended, leading to the accumulation of gas, which is expelled during uterine contrac...

[Read More] Postpartum Vaginal Gas: Is It Normal and How to Address It?


Do C-Sections Leave Scars? Understanding Anesthesia Options

excuse me? Will a cesarean section leave a scar? Is it performed under general anesthesia?


Dr. Zhan Deqin Reply:
1. A cesarean section will inevitably leave a scar, and the appearance of the scar depends on factors such as your body type, the skill of the surgeon, and whether there is any inflammation. 2. Anesthesia can be administered as either regional (spinal or epidural) or general anes...

[Read More] Do C-Sections Leave Scars? Understanding Anesthesia Options


Impact of Scoliosis on Delivery Methods: Natural Birth vs. C-Section

Does scoliosis affect the mode of delivery? Dear Dr. Lin, I would like to inquire about the impact of scoliosis on delivery methods—specifically, whether there are any restrictions regarding vaginal delivery or cesarean section. I underwent corrective surgery for severe S-shaped...


Dr. Lin Manying Reply:
The severity of scoliosis should be assessed to determine if it has led to pelvic deformities or narrowing. Pelvic imaging may be considered, and during full-term labor, if the fetal position is normal and the fetal head has descended, vaginal delivery should be attempted as the ...

[Read More] Impact of Scoliosis on Delivery Methods: Natural Birth vs. C-Section


Understanding Vaginal Inflammation During Pregnancy: Risks and Concerns

Vaginitis Hello, Dr. Cheng. I am currently six months pregnant, and I have noticed that my vaginal discharge is yellowish and mucous, accompanied by itching. I understand that this indicates a vaginal infection. However, since the third month of my pregnancy, my labia have been s...


Dr. Li Guanghan Reply:
During pregnancy, increased cervical secretions can lead to vaginal infections, which generally do not require treatment and do not pose a risk to the fetus. However, if symptoms are present, treatment should be administered, and proper perineal hygiene should be maintained. Swel...

[Read More] Understanding Vaginal Inflammation During Pregnancy: Risks and Concerns


Postpartum Back Pain: Causes, Concerns, and Relief Strategies

Lower back pain? Hello, I have received an epidural during labor, and it has been four months postpartum. I often experience lower back pain; could this be a residual effect? Are there any ways to improve this? Occasionally, I have abdominal cramps, but not frequently; is this a ...


Dr. Zhan Deqin Reply:
1. Postpartum lower back pain is common and can be improved with increased postpartum exercise. 2. If there is blood in the stool, it is advisable to consult a colorectal surgeon to determine if it is caused by hemorrhoids or other issues.

[Read More] Postpartum Back Pain: Causes, Concerns, and Relief Strategies


Understanding Epidural Anesthesia: Benefits, Risks, and Misconceptions

Painless childbirth 1. Is painless childbirth achieved by injecting anesthetics into the spine or subcutaneously? 2. What are the potential risks and side effects? 3. Some colleagues say it is ineffective, while others claim it reduces pain; why is there such a discrepancy?


Dr. Zhan Deqin Reply:
1. In the epidural space of the spine. 2. Normally, there are few sequelae, but any surgery carries risks of complications, such as the potential for puncturing the spinal membrane. 3. It is usually effective, unless the medication is not administered correctly, or sometimes if t...

[Read More] Understanding Epidural Anesthesia: Benefits, Risks, and Misconceptions


Is Epidural Labor Pain Relief Really Pain-Free? Exploring Myths and Costs

Painless childbirth Is painless delivery really painless? If it's so good, why do so few people use it? It seems that others only ask whether you want a natural birth or a cesarean section. Why is painless delivery rarely mentioned? Are there any side effects or risks associ...


Dr. Zhan Deqin Reply:
1. Truly painless. 2. Because it is not covered by health insurance. 3. It is not completely without risk. 4. The cost ranges from approximately 5,000 to 6,000 NT dollars, varying by hospital.

[Read More] Is Epidural Labor Pain Relief Really Pain-Free? Exploring Myths and Costs


Understanding Postpartum Spine Pain: Causes and Treatment Options

Spinal pain Hello Doctor: After giving birth, I have recently noticed that my spine often hurts, specifically in the area about 5 centimeters below the bra line. It also hurts when I press on it with my hand, and the pain level is similar to that of a bruise. I am unsure what thi...


Dr. Lin Zhaopei Reply:
In general, postpartum pain is often related to the method of delivery and anesthesia used. Vaginal delivery typically allows for quicker recovery and less pain; however, discomfort may occur due to tearing, particularly in the perineum and anus. In the case of cesarean delivery,...

[Read More] Understanding Postpartum Spine Pain: Causes and Treatment Options