Epidural for Twin Labor: Is It Necessary? - Expert Insights

Question
28 yrs. old, 1 child, last mp: Nov. 1
After a wonderful birth with my first born in the hospital, but no drugs I was hoping for the same with the second.  I am having twins and my doc says she does required epidural with twins.  Is this standard practice?  I am very worried about all the potential complications etc. having to do with epidural, constant fetal monitoring and staying in bed during labor.  (Exact opposite from everything in my first birth.)  I am going to call around other docs in my area to see if this is also their policy.  I have read stories of twin births even at home... What are your thoughts and why is this standard practice?

Thank you, Melissa

Answer
If you are having twins, and are trying for a vaginal delivery, you should be monitored during labor constantly, especially since you are having twins. If a sonogram shows that either twin is in the breech position, you will need a cesarean section. HOwever, it is your choice of the type of anesthesia you have. There are no requirements of having an epidural just because you are having twins. You do not need any anesthesia if that is your wish. However, you should know that there are really no complications with an epidural anesthesia. In an epidural, medicine is intoduced AROUND the spinal column, but no medidine enters the cerebrospinal space. In a spinal aneshesia, medicine is introduced directly into the spinal canal. Some cerebrospinal fluid can leak out and the patient can suffer from headaches. In an epidural, this does not happen and it is a very good method of anesthesia. HOwever, it is your choice.No obstetrician has a policy of requiring an epidural.