Your pain relief options - Epidural

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Epidural

How does it work?

An injection of anaesthetic into the base of your spine, which the anaesthetist gives through a thin tube. This numbs the area from the waist down and can be topped up by the midwife as it wears off, or is given continually through an infusion pump.

Pros

Excellent form of pain relief, particularly with long labours.
Can lower blood pressure if it's very high.
Won't affect the baby unless blood pressure drops.

Cons

Contractions can slow down, you might then need a drip to speed things up.
Anaesthetist needs to be available to administer it.
You need to keep still while it's administered.
Increased risk of instrumental delivery.
Increased risk of episiotomy.
Will also have a drip set up in case blood pressure falls.
Baby must be closely monitored.
Restricted movement.
May need to be catheterised.
Risk of severe headache if the sheath around the spinal cord is pierced by accident.
Shouldn't be used on women who have low blood pressure or blood-clotting problems.

Does it work?

The most effective form of pain relief which will work in 90 per cent of cases. Unfortunately, some women get effects of epidural down one side only. A spinal block is similar to an epidural but is given as a one-off dose, often for a Caesarean section.