Testing a fluid injection to prevent headaches after accidental spinal needle puncture during childbirth

This trial is testing hydroxyethyl starch, a special fluid, to prevent a painful complication called post-dural puncture headache. This headache can develop after the membrane surrounding the spinal cord is accidentally punctured during epidural pain relief for labor or cesarean delivery. The study will compare women who receive injections of this medication into the epidural space with those who do not, to see if it reduces the chance of developing this type of headache.

When the membrane around the spinal cord is accidentally punctured during childbirth anesthesia, up to 80% of mothers develop a severe headache caused by fluid leaking from the spine. While current treatments exist, doctors want to find a way to prevent this headache from happening in the first place, rather than waiting to treat it after it develops.