An epidural is a way to give anesthetic. This is a medicine that blocks pain. For an epidural, the anesthetic is injected into the lower spine. It can be used to ease the pain of labor and delivery. This is done by an anesthesiologist. Or it may be done by a nurse anesthetist.
How pain is blocked
The spinal cord is the main path for pain signals. These signals travel from nerves through the spinal cord to your brain. The brain registers them as pain. The epidural blocks the signals in the nerves in your lower spine.
Numbing your lower body
Anesthetic is injected through the skin of your back into the part of the spinal canal called the epidural space. This blocks nerves below the place where it's injected. It can reduce pain or block most feeling. You will be awake. You will still have feeling in your upper body.
When you have an epidural
To have an epidural:
-
You may be asked to lie on your side. Or you may sit on the edge of your bed and lean over.
-
Your healthcare provider numbs a small part of your lower spine with a local anesthetic.
-
Your provider then puts a needle into the epidural space. A thin tube (catheter) is threaded over the needle. The needle is removed.
-
The anesthetic then goes through the catheter. In some cases, a small pump is attached to the catheter. This gives you a constant dose of anesthetic as long as you need it.
Risks and possible complications
Risks and possible complications include:
-
A sudden drop in blood pressure, which may cause the baby's heart rate to drop for a short time
-
Severe headache after birth
-
Back soreness for several days
-
Dizziness, seizures, breathing problems, allergic reaction, nerve damage, or paralysis (all very rare)
When to call your healthcare provider
Follow your healthcare provider's care instructions after the procedure. Call them right away if you have any of these:
-
Signs of infection at the epidural site, such as redness, swelling, warmth, or fluid leaking
-
Fever over 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by your healthcare provider
-
Chills
-
Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
-
Fast heartbeat
-
Numbness or weakness in your legs that doesn’t go away
-
Severe headache
-
Trouble controlling your bladder
-
Pain that isn’t relieved by pain medicine
-
Other symptoms as advised by your healthcare provider
OB/GYN
Find a DoctorRelated Articles
Methotrexate for Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy means that the fetus is growing outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. The fetus can't survive there, and the pregnancy can't be saved. Treatment with methotrexate is an alternative to surgery. Read on to learn more.
Labor: Preparing for the Hospital
You may be told to call your healthcare provider when it becomes hard to walk or talk during contractions or if your amniotic sac breaks.
Anesthesia Options for Labor
Anesthetics may numb only 1 region of your body, or they may let you sleep during surgery. These medicines are given by trained specialists. Whenever possible, regional anesthesia is used so you can be awake during your baby's birth.
Reasons for a Cesarean Section Birth
In most cases, a cesarean section birth is not expected. It may be needed because of concerns about the baby, the mother, or the baby's passage through the birth canal.
