You have been given this information as you have received an epidural or spinal anaesthetic around the time of your baby’s birth.
Serious complications from these procedures are rare and will have been discussed with you before the procedure. However, because the procedures involve injections close to the spinal cord, it is important to identify and treat any problems quickly.
You may have been assessed by an anaesthetic doctor prior to discharge, particularly if you experienced any headaches or residual numbness or weakness in your legs.
It is important to remember that these symptoms can occur after giving birth, even if you have not received an epidural or spinal anaesthetic and do not always mean that something is wrong.
Following discharge, you should contact the hospital for further advice, if you experience any of the following;
- Severe headache which is worse on standing and less intense when you lie down.
- Severe back pain.
- Numbness or weakness in your legs, or an inability to move around without help.
- Difficulty passing urine or an inability to control your bowel movements.
- Redness, pus, tenderness or severe pain at a spinal or epidural insertion site.
- High temperature.
- Neck stiffness.
In the first instance, please contact
The Maternity Assessment Centre – St. James’s Hospital
You will be redirected appropriately.
The Maternity Assessment Centres are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Maternity Assessment Centre – Leeds General Infirmary
You will be redirected appropriately.
The Maternity Assessment Centres are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you have any concerns about any aspect of your anaesthetic care, we would be happy to arrange follow up with one of the Consultants. This can be arranged via your community team, your GP or via the Maternity Assessment Centre.