Labor and Delivery
What is an epidural?
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.
Do epidurals have risks?
Epidurals are a safe and effective method for providing pain relief during labor and most patients do not experience side effects. However, all medical procedures carry a possibility of complications and the most common side effects from an epidural include:
- Low blood pressure: The medication injected in your lower back can cause your blood vessels to relax and result in low blood pressure. This can make you feel dizzy, light-headed, nauseous and sometimes even vomit. Please let your anesthesia provider or OB RN know if you feel these symptoms as they are easily treated.
- Headache: Headaches following delivery are common. However, a headache resulting from an epidural is very uncommon, usually <1%. If you experience a headache in the days following delivery – especially one that is worse when sitting upright or standing – please contact your Obstetrician for evaluation.
- Incomplete pain relief: Occasionally an epidural offers incomplete pain relief. Sometimes this can mean one side of your lower body is numb while the other is not or a specific area of your lower body is inadequately numb. This is rare. If this happens your anesthesia team will work with you to improve your pain control.
Will the epidural medication effect my baby?
Because the medication is delivered into the epidural space and not the bloodstream, very little medication is absorbed by the baby. Multiple studies and years of experience have affirmed the safety of epidurals for both the baby and the mother.
After I receive an epidural what will happen?
After your epidural is placed, you will not be allowed out of bed. The epidural can make your legs weak which increases the risk of falling. You will only be allowed to eat clear liquids until you deliver.
What happens if I need a C-Section?
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.
