What is an Epidural?

An epidural is a common form of pain relief used during labour. It involves an injection in your back that helps reduce pain, though you may still feel pressure or discomfort. An anesthesiologist will use a needle to inject medicine near your spinal cord and place a small tube to continuously deliver the medication throughout labour.

How Does It Work?

The medication delivered through the epidural blocks pain signals from reaching your brain, helping you manage pain during labour. While it may not remove all pain, many women find it to be an effective form of relief.

Common Myths

• Does it increase the risk of C-section? No, epidurals do not increase the risk of having a C-section. Studies show it might slightly slow down the pushing stage by around seven minutes, but it doesn't affect the overall delivery process.

• Will it harm my baby? No, epidurals are considered safe for babies. There is no evidence that epidurals cause harm to newborns. However, some moms worry about the use of opioids (such as fentanyl) in the epidural, but studies show that babies are born with healthy APGAR scores and no long-term effects.

Risks and Side Effects

Epidurals are generally safe, but like any medical procedure, there are risks. The most common side effect is a

spinal headache, which happens in 1-2% of cases when the needle punctures deeper than intended. This can usually be treated by an anesthesiologist. There’s also a rare chance of infection or bleeding in the epidural space, but these risks are extremely low.

Some women also report back pain after an epidural. However, it's more likely that this back pain is due to pregnancy and postpartum changes rather than the epidural itself.

Other Important Information

• Mobility: Once you have an epidural, you will not be able to walk around. Your labour nurse or doula can help you change positions in bed, but you won’t be able to stand.

• Bladder Control: You’ll need a catheter to empty your bladder, as you won’t have sensation or control to do so yourself.

• Delayed Epidural: If being mobile is important to you, you might want to wait until active labour to get an epidural.

Alternatives to an Epidural

Some women ask for IV pain medication as an alternative. However, this has not been proven as effective for pain control and could affect the baby’s breathing if given close to delivery.

Personal Experience

Many healthcare providers, including OBGYNs, choose epidurals themselves during childbirth. Some even opt for a combined spinal epidural, which offers quicker pain relief. Overall, epidurals are a trusted method of pain relief during labour and are widely used without complications.

Final Thoughts

Epidurals provide significant pain relief during labour and are a safe option for most women. If you have concerns, speak to your doctor or ask to meet with an anesthesiologist during your pregnancy to discuss the best options for you.