Why epidural anesthesia should be avoided as much as possible during childbirth

　　Painless needles usually refer to intraspinal labor analgesia used in painless delivery. Generally speaking, the reasons why painless needles are not recommended during childbirth may include possible effects on the progress of labor, risks associated with anesthesia, potential masking of abnormal conditions, increased risk of postpartum low back pain, and individual adverse reactions. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Possible impact on the progress of labor

　　After the administration of a painless needle, the pelvic floor muscles of the mother may become relatively relaxed, thereby reducing the sense and strength of active straining to some extent, which changes the power of labor progression. The original instinctive reaction of downward breath-holding and straining driven by strong uterine contraction pain may become less acute after pain relief, possibly leading to prolonged labor and increasing the uncertainty during delivery, such as an increased risk of abnormal conditions like fetal distress.

2. Risks associated with anesthesia

　　Intraspinal puncture is required for painless delivery, which is an invasive procedure carrying certain risks. During the puncture, the dura mater may be accidentally punctured or nerves damaged, leading to symptoms such as headache, numbness and weakness in the lower limbs. Severe cases may even affect motor and sensory functions of the lower limbs. Additionally, vasodilation caused by anesthetic drugs may affect blood pressure stability, leading to hypotension, which is unfavorable for the fetus to receive sufficient oxygen and nutrients.

3. Possible masking of abnormal conditions

　　Pain during labor is also a kind of bodily feedback signal that can alert medical staff whether the labor progress is normal and whether the fetus has problems. After administration of a painless needle, the pain is reduced, and some serious but subtle abnormalities, such as uterine rupture and placental abruption, may not be promptly detected due to the mother's reduced sensitivity, easily delaying the optimal timing for treatment, posing a significant threat to the life and health of both mother and fetus.

4. Increased risk of postpartum low back pain

　　The puncture for the painless needle and the effect of anesthetic drugs may cause low back pain in some mothers after delivery. Although there is currently no absolute scientific evidence indicating that the painless needle is the direct cause of postpartum low back pain, theoretically, the trauma at the puncture site may leave some discomfort during recovery. Coupled with the increased load on the waist during pregnancy and the mother's physical weakness after delivery, the combination of multiple factors may make the sensation of low back pain more pronounced.

5. Individual adverse reactions

　　Different mothers have different tolerances to the anesthetic drugs in the painless needle. Anesthetic drugs may affect gastrointestinal motility and stimulate nerve endings, causing some mothers to experience adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting, and itching. Although these adverse reactions are mostly mild and temporary, they can still affect the comfort and experience of mothers during delivery to some extent, adding difficulties to an already stressful delivery process.

　　Postpartum diet should be light and easily digestible, avoiding overly greasy, spicy, or cold foods.