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Labor & delivery

Epidural anesthesia

An epidural is regional anesthesia, meaning it blocks a specific region of nerves where pain relief is desired. It is given through a small catheter (tube) placed in your lower back that reaches a space just outside the spinal cord, called the epidural space. After insertion of the epidural, pain relief is felt within 5-20 minutes. Pain relief occurs along with a complete numbing of the pelvis and lower extremities. . It may be given during active labor and adjusted based on your needs. As a safety precaution, IV fluids will be given throughout the time that the epidural is in place.

Although very safe and effective, an epidural blocks nerve impulses, which may cause a drop in your blood pressure and may decrease the fetal heart rate. You and you baby will be monitored closely to be sure your vital signs are stable. Since an epidural numbs from the waist down, you will feel a decreased urge to push, but you will still have the ability to push.

Many women lose the feeling or urge to urinate. If this happens, a catheter tube may be used to drain your bladder. Usually, this tube will not remain attached to you, the urine will empty quickly and catheter will be removed. This is sometimes referred to as a “straight cath” in the medical community. Remember that a full bladder is competing with the baby’s head for space in the pelvic area, so it’s important to empty the bladder. This might be done more than once depending on the length of your labor and how much time the epidural anesthesia remains in effect. Some clinicians prefer to place an indwelling catheter in your bladder - this remains in place until your normal sensations return.

If you are considering an epidural, ask your clinician about the best time for your epidural to be started. If given too early, an epidural can slow labor.