Convinced that they should not endure pain during the birth process, mothers are set up to believe in a drug instead of their bodies' own natural capabilities. In other words, if they delivered vaginally, and their eyes were open, they are being led to believe that they delivered naturally. What is not being provided to the parents is the increased complications which are a result of epidural usage. Many of these side effects result in multiple complications. This altered heart rate can lead to fetal distress and operative deliveries.
Epidurals Causes longer labors with slower progress.
7 Increase use of pitocin by as much as 3 times, which causes slow and irregular contractions. 4 Increases use of forceps by as much 4 - 20 times. 5 Causes neonatal jaundice due to altered red blood cells. 9 Increases the incidence of birth trauma due to the use of mechanically assisted deliveries. In order to bring about a reversal in epidural usage, mothers must become educated not only on its potential side effects, but on their bodies' own ability to give birth naturally.