Monisha Bell

Mrs. Hensel
English IV Honors
12 February 2015
Annotated Bibliography: Epidural effects on unborn babies
Buckley, Sarah J. "The Hidden Risks of Epidurals." Mothering 133 (2005): 50-66.MasterFILE
Premier. Web. 10 Feb. 2015.
This article describes the effects of an epidural on the laboring mother and the unborn child.
Epidurals interfere with some of the hormones of labor and birth, which may have a negative
effect on the processes of labor. Epidurals involve the injection of a local anesthetic drug. The
article also explains side effects for the unborn baby and newborn that derive from effects on the
mother. The side effects range from minor to serious. It states possible benefits but significant
risks. Epidurals can cause changes in the fetal heart rate that indicates the unborn baby is lacking
blood and oxygen.
This article is a reliable source because it is factual and its in a reputable journal. It is written by
Sarah J. Buckley who is a medical doctor. She provides great resources. It is objective because
it states the facts about the laboring process and it isnt bias. This article provide details without
being one-sided. It is also reliable because it is a universal study. Sarah J. Buckley statistics
came from different countries including Canada and UK. She also includes references.
This article is a great source for a research project because it states the effects of epidurals on the
mother and unborn child. It also explains the effects on the labor process. It indicates significant
risks for the laboring mother and her unborn child. This article really helped me to understand
that there are many hidden risks of epidurals and will provide another resource for my project.
Buckley, Sarah J. "Drugs in Labor." Midwifery Today 71 (2004): 13-65. Alt HealthWatch. Web.
18 Feb. 2015.
This article describes the effects on the baby including neonatal respiratory depression and
decreased neonatal alertness. Epidurals have a relaxant effect on the laboring mothers uterus.
Epidurals have a profound effect on the process of labor. The article also states a drop in blood
pressure occurs for up to fifty percent of women.
This article is reliable because its from Sarah J. Buckley who is a doctor. She is a reliable
source because she provides factual information. Her information isnt bias and its based off
facts. This article isnt made up and its referenced. Epidurals are very effective on the process
of labor.

This article is a great source for a research project because it gives great details about the effects
of epidurals. Its not based on ones opinion. This article describes effects on epidurals that
many may not have known about. The information provided will make you think about whether
or not you want to have an epidural. It is very detailed and informative.
Kresser, Chris. "Natural Childbirth V: Epidural Side Effects and Risks." Chris Kresser. N.P., 05
Aug. 2011. Web. 17 Feb. 2015.
This website explains how an epidural enters the baby bloodstream at equal and sometimes even
higher levels than the mothers bloodstream. Theres a possibility of deficits in newborn
abilities. Epidural can affect the newborn immune system. The article also states that it can
cause fetal bradycardia. An epidural can cause less alertness and ability to orient.
This website is reliable because it is fact-based. Its a database website. Chris Kresser has a
Master of Science degree and was recently named as one of the top influential people in health.
His work is cited in national publications. This website provides objective information on many
different effects on epidural as far as unintended side effects on the mother and baby.
This website is a great source for a research project because it explains the side effects of
epidural on the mother and the baby. It gives you an inside look on life threatening experiences.
This website educates you on the risks of epidurals. I didnt know how many effects an epidural
had until i researched. Epidurals are beneficial but shouldnt be used routinely.