Labor and Delivery
Anesthesia for Labor and Delivery:
Safe, Personalized Pain Relief Options
Every birth experience is unique—and so are your choices for pain management. Our board-certified anesthesiologists and CRNAs specialize in providing safe, effective anesthesia for labor and delivery, including epidural anesthesia, spinal blocks, and general anesthesia when needed.
Whether you’re planning a vaginal birth or preparing for a potential C-section, our team is here to guide you through your options, ensuring comfort, safety, and support every step of the way. Learn how anesthesia can enhance your childbirth experience while keeping you and your baby safe.
Epidural Anesthesia
An epidural is a common pain relief method, performed by an anesthesiologist or CRNA, used during childbirth that involves injecting medication into the lower back to numb the lower half of your body while allowing you to stay awake and alert. It works by blocking pain signals from the spine to the brain, providing relief from labor contractions and can be adjusted to maintain comfort throughout labor and delivery.
How long do epidurals last?
Epidurals continuously infuse numbing medication into your epidural space and last as long as you are in labor.
Do I have to have an epidural for childbirth?
No. Pain control during labor is a personal choice and we support whatever decision you make.
Understanding the Risks of Epidural Anesthesia During Labor and Delivery
While epidural anesthesia is a widely used and generally safe method for managing pain during labor and delivery, it’s important for expecting parents to be informed about potential risks and side effects.
Some common side effects include low blood pressure, which can cause dizziness or nausea, and incomplete pain relief, where the epidural may not fully block discomfort. In rare cases, patients may experience a spinal headache, which results from a small puncture in the spinal membrane. Other uncommon risks include nerve damage, infection, or allergic reactions to the medications used.
Pain control during labor is a personal choice, and we support whatever decision you make. At NCAP, our board-certified anesthesiologists and CRNAs are trained to monitor and manage these risks closely, ensuring the safest possible experience for both mother and baby.
Epidural Medication and Your Baby
Because epidural anesthesia is administered into the epidural space rather than directly into the bloodstream, only a minimal amount of medication reaches the baby. This method of pain relief has been extensively studied and used for decades, consistently demonstrating its safety for both mother and child. At NCAP, we prioritize evidence-based care and closely monitor every patient to ensure the safest possible outcomes during labor and delivery.
What to Expect After Receiving an Epidural
Once your epidural anesthesia is placed, you’ll remain in bed for the duration of labor. The medication can cause leg weakness, which increases the risk of falling, so mobility is restricted to ensure your safety. To reduce the risk of complications, you’ll be limited to clear liquids until after delivery. Throughout this time, your care team will monitor your comfort, adjust the epidural as needed, and ensure both you and your baby remain safe and supported.
What Happens if a C-Section is Necessary
If your obstetrician determines a c-section is necessary, your anesthesiologist or CRNA will be with you the entire time to make sure you and your baby are safe and comfortable. If you already have an epidural, we can usually use it to adequately numb you for the c-section. Sometimes it’s necessary to remove the epidural and place a spinal anesthetic prior to your surgery. In both cases you will be awake during the surgery so you can participate in the birth. Some patients require general anesthesia for a safe c-section. This will depend on several factors including the urgency of the situation and relevant medical conditions.
