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How Will You Handle Your Labor Pain?

(continued)

Are There Any Side Effects to Regional Anesthesia?

Your anesthesiologist takes special precautions to prevent complications. Although complications are rare, some side effects may include:

Lower blood pressure. You will receive intravenous fluids and your blood pressure will be carefully monitored and treated to prevent this from happening.
Mild itching during labor. If itching becomes bothersome, your anesthesiologist can treat it.
Headache. Drinking fluids and taking pain tablets can help relieve headaches after regional anesthesia. If the headache persists, tell your anesthesiologist and additional medication can be ordered for you.
Local anesthetic reaction. While local anesthetic reactions are rare, they can be serious. Be sure to tell your anesthesiologist if you become dizzy or develop ringing in your ears so that he or she can quickly treat the problem.