An epidural is a type of anesthesia used during childbirth to relieve pain. It involves injecting medication near the spine in the lower back to block pain signals from the lower body. This helps manage pain during labor and delivery, allowing you to remain awake and alert without discomfort.

A trained anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist administers the epidural. Before the actual epidural injection, a local anesthetic is given to minimize discomfort. You might feel a brief sting from the numbing shot and some pressure when the epidural needle is inserted, but the process is generally not painful.

The pain relief from an epidural usually starts within 10 to 20 minutes after the medication has been administered. Once in effect, additional doses can be given through the catheter every 1 to 2 hours or as needed to maintain pain relief throughout labor.

The medications used in epidurals are in weak concentrations, and only a small amount enters the mother's bloodstream, making it safe for the baby. Most research suggests minimal to no significant adverse effects on the newborn, though some babies may experience temporary effects such as slight lethargy.

While epidurals are generally safe, they can have side effects such as a sudden drop in blood pressure, headaches, or backaches. There's also a rare risk of more serious complications like infection. Most side effects can be managed effectively by your healthcare team.

Epidurals in recent years have been refined to allow leg movement and the ability to adjust positions in bed. However, your mobility will be limited to ensure safety, and you might need assistance walking until the effects wear off.

Epidurals can help you relax and conserve energy during labor, which can benefit a smoother delivery process. While some believe epidurals can lengthen labor or increase the need for interventions like forceps, modern low-concentration epidurals are designed to maintain the effectiveness of contractions and support the natural delivery process.

You can request an epidural at any stage of labor, even if you're just 1 centimeter dilated. The key is that you need to be able to remain still while it's administered. It's essential to discuss your pain management options with your healthcare provider early in your pregnancy so you know what to expect when the time comes.

After the epidural is placed, you'll need to remain in bed to reduce the risk of falls due to decreased sensation in your legs. The medical team will closely monitor your blood pressure, the baby's heart rate, and other vital signs. You can adjust your position in bed with assistance to remain comfortable.

Most pregnant individuals are eligible for an epidural. However, certain conditions like blood disorders, infections, or specific complications during pregnancy may make an epidural less suitable.