QuestionDuring delivery of my last child, my bloodpressure dropped to 33/15 after the administration of the epidural. Several doctors and nurses rushed into the room, they shot me with ephedrine and several other drugs. It was a big deal at the moment and a scare for those in the room. But I don't really understand what happened. I don't know what 33/15 means. Could you maybe help explain. I would like to know what my body went through. I have more details if need be.Thanks in advance
AnswerA drop in blood pressure is a very common side effect of the epidural. Usually, you would receive a bolus (a large dose administered quickly) of saline through your IV at the time the epidural is placed. This helps to quickly increase your blood volume and counteract the blood pressure drop caused by the epidural. It also tends to lower your core body temperature and causes the severe shaking that is commonly noticed by women with epidurals.
It sounds like one of two things happened. First, maybe they didn't give you enough extra fluids, or didn't administer them in a timely fashion. Second, maybe your body overreacted to the epidural. Normal blood pressure is 120/75. 33/15 is extremely low, and it's good that they were able to take care of you.
In the future, you might want to investigate your alternatives to an epidural. Properly prepared for and executed, natural childbirth is not as painful or as scary as most people think...and it's certainly not as scary as an epidural gone wrong!
