Investigating the risk of pressure damage during childbirth

Obstetric care. Is there risk of pressure damage after epidural anaesthesia?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that there is an increase in the incidence of pressure damage to women in labour. This appears to be associated with epidural anaesthesia. Epidural anaesthesia used to control pain in childbirth causes loss of sensation and a degree of motor block, which removes the women's reflexes and ability to reposition to prevent pressure damage. The large amount of fluids present during childbirth may also increase the risk of pressure damage, especially in association with shear and friction. A combination of unfamiliarity of pressure ulcer prevention techniques among midwives, and the type of delivery room equipment, that is currently available, may leave young healthy women at risk of developing pressure ulcers.