How does an epidural work?
An epidural delivers continuous pain relief to the lower part of your body while allowing you to remain fully conscious. It decreases sensation but doesn't result in a total lack of feeling.
Medication is delivered through a catheter – a very thin, flexible, hollow tube – that's inserted into the epidural space just outside the membrane that surrounds your spinal cord and spinal fluid. An epidural is the most commonly used method of pain relief for labor in the United States.
When is the best time to get an epidural?
In the past, many practitioners wanted a woman to be in active labor before starting an epidural due to a concern that it might slow down her contractions. These days, most caregivers will allow you to start an epidural whenever you ask for it.
Studies have shown that starting an epidural in early labor (compared with later in labor) is not more likely to prolong labor or lead to a c-section or other interventions such as a forceps delivery. (However, as we note later, having an epidural at all does increase your risk of a vacuum extraction or forceps delivery.)
What are the advantages to having an epidural for pain relief during labor?
Noura Al Shaaban - Saudi Arabia
Member of the Saudi Shura Council
Through my tour at the hospital I was very pleased with the professional touch in dealing with patients from all countries, and I was impressed by the presence of the advanced equipment in all medical specialties, excellence in dealing with visitors and the quick procedures. Your most important feature is the presence of the best specialized consultants that made me feel comfort and reassured that the citizens of Saudi are receiving good care here
HRH Princess Basma Bint Talal
Jordan
This distinguished institute makes us proud of the progress achieved by our dear country Jordan in the field of medicine, which is equivalent to that in the best countries of the world, this excellence and progress is from the wise management of Dr. Fawzi Al-Hammouri, whose efforts and the efforts of his colleagues at the Specialty Hospital which they deserve all the admiration and appreciation
Dr. Mustafa Othman Ismail
Former Sudanese Presidential Adviser, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs
We have found great welcoming from the doctors and nurses at the hospital, their treatment was distinguished, thanks to the Specialty Hospital family for their great interest and we witness excellence in everything from medicine to equipment and treatment
Dr. Tabita Boutros - Sudan
Former Minister of Water and Dams - Sudan
I was very pleased to visit your hospital, and I came to receive medical care and general checkups. This is an opportunity to say thank you so much for everything you have done for me
Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al-Dhafri - Sultanate of Oman
Diwan of the Royal Court - Sultanate of Oman
I was very pleased with my visit to this hospital and its services to the patients. I was very surprised by the modern medical equipment’s and departments that I see for the first time. The management and the medical staff made me very ashamed of the spaciousness and hospitality that we received.
HRH Princess Muna Al-Hussain
Jordan
I am pleased to express my deep appreciation and admiration for the level of achievements you have reached in the medical field for our dear country. wish you success and good luck under the Patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein
Tukunobu kita - Japan
Kyushu University
We visited this hospital as field research on medical tourism. The doctors kindly introduced the facilities and explained to us everything. We learned that Specialty Hospital has well-trained staff and good equipment as well as sophisticated systems. It has strong appeal for overseas patients
Her Majesty Rania Al-Abdullah
Jordan
I would like to highly express my admiration for your distinguished efforts that contributes to the development of the medical sector and to our county. I am pleased to express to all the staff at this outstanding medical institute, my great satisfaction and joy of the superior level the hospital achieved. I applaud for these great efforts and I support you to proceed for further achievements
Fatima Khaled Al Bashir - Sudan
The Wife and first cousin of Sudanese president
Thank you very much Specialty Hospital for the warm welcoming and the good treatment we found, and we noticed the good reputation of the hospital's staff from administrative to doctors and we ask God to bless them
Andera Reichlin - Switzerland
Ambassador
I would like to express the gratitude of the Swiss Embassy in Jordan for all what the Specialty Hospital, doctors, health and administrative personnel have done for the two injured patients.
Dr. Nabil Al–Sharif
Former Minister of Media & Communication in Jordan
Without exaggeration, I say that this medical institute provides great services around the clock to the citizens of Jordan, Arab patients and Jordan's visitors. The Specialty Hospital name in people's minds is connected to care and trust, which is a pride for our country and our medical institutes.
Dr. Gabriella Vicuna - USA
Medical Tourism Association
It was our greatest pleasure and honor to visit you during the MTA FAM tour. We are extremely impressed with the great quality, technology and talented physicians we found at Specialty Hospital. From the moment you walk through the doors of Specialty Hospital, one feels warmth and hospitality of this great facility
Mike Williams - Louisiana
Patient
I would like to say a big thank you to all the staff at Specialty Hospital. The care I received here was great and I highly recommend it to everyone.
Dr. Mandy - USA
Medical Provider
Your emergency department was fantastic. In 30 years of practicing medicine in the United States I have never been able to get X-rays, an ultrasound and an MRI done on one of my patients in less than 4 hours. Your hospital's efficiency and timeliness and exemplary and set the standard.Our patient went to the operating theater and had his injury successfully repaired. He is doing well thanks to the great care he received at Specialty Hospital.
Dr. Ahmed Al-Asbahi – Yemen
Member of Shura Council of the Republic of Yemen
I didn't find the words to express the state of progress I have seen at the Specialty Hospital, but I would like to say that the secret of this progress is referred to the man expressed by HM King Hussein, may God bless him and grant him peace, he said: "Human is the most precious thing we have”. This statement has been scientifically translated into the existence of qualified competencies in various fields especially what I have seen at the Specialty Hospital, I witnessed the stages of its development. And here I am today witnessing the reality of dealing directly with the excellence in its management, wonderful nursing and advanced medicine.
