Epidural During Labor

When it comes to labor, one of the most common questions women ask is, “Should I get an epidural?” It is a very popular form of pain relief during labor, but whether or not you get one is a personal decision. Be sure to discuss with your doctor whether an epidural is right for you during your pregnancy.

What is an epidural?

Epidural anesthesia is a type of regional anesthesia that blocks the sensation of pain in the lower half of your body. A local anesthetic is injected into the epidural space near your spinal cord to provide this relief.

What are the benefits of an epidural?

The main benefit of an epidural is pain relief. It can help many women have a more positive birthing experience. Other benefits are:

• It helps you rest if your labor lasts for 24 hours or more.
• It allows you to stay awake and alert.
• It can be used whether you deliver vaginally or by C-section.

How does an epidural work?

Epidural anesthesia is typically given during the first stage of labor, but it can be administered later if needed.

First, an IV will be placed. Then, you’ll be asked to sit or lie on your side and stay still. An epidural needle will inject a small amount of anesthesia into the epidural space near your spinal cord. A small catheter will be inserted to administer the medication continuously. You should begin to feel pain relief in 15 to 20 minutes, and full relief usually comes within 30 minutes.

Types of epidural

There are two basic types of epidurals. Talk to your doctor about the different options.

• Standard epidural: With this type, you can shift from side to side, but other movements may be more restricted.
• Combined spinal-epidural (CSE) or “walking epidural”: This type allows for some sensation in your lower body. Even though it’s called “walking,” you probably still won’t be able to walk around much. 

Epidural side effects and risks

While epidurals are generally safe, not everyone is a candidate for this procedure based on their unique medical needs. Some common side effects include:

• Weakness in the legs
• Feeling cold or itchy
• Headache
• Increased chance of needing to use forceps to aid in delivery
• Loss of feeling in your bladder, requiring a catheter
• Pain at the injection site
• Slowing down the second stage of labor
• Little to no pain relief

Rare but serious risks include:

• Blood clots: These can occur in the veins due to restricted mobility and should be monitored.
• Changes in heart rate: Epidurals can sometimes affect both the mother's and baby's heart rate, so continuous monitoring is important.

If you're considering an epidural, talk to the team at Banner Health. We're here to help you make an informed decision about pain relief during labor, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience for you and your baby.