Educate Yourself  is a regular segment of the Florida Birth Source designed to provide unbiased and factual information on birth-related topics including birthing methods, standard obstetrical practices, and medications used in labor and surgery.

What is an Epidural?

The term epidural is often short for epidural anesthesia, a form of regional anesthesia involving injection of drugs through a catheter placed into the epidural space. The injection can cause both a loss of sensation (anaesthesia) and a loss of pain (analgesia), by blocking the transmission of signals through nerves in or near the spinal cord*.

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How is an Epidural used and administered in labor?
Either an anesthesiologist or a nurse anesthetist administers an epidural.  It is given while sitting or lying curled up on one’s side. First, the back is prepped with an antiseptic and then a local anesthetic is placed.  After the skin is numb, a needle holding a flexible tube (the catheter) is then placed into the lower back. The needle is removed and the anesthetic or combined anesthetic and analgesic is supplied through the catheter, as needed. Sometimes a pump is attached to the catheter that provides a constant level of anesthetic throughout labor and delivery.  Usually within 15-20 minutes of starting anesthesia, a woman will lose feeling below the waist. In addition, an epidural generally requires a urinary catheter because the sensation to urinate is impeded as well.  Occasionally the epidural does not work as anticipated and the laboring woman may feel some pain or have one area that feels pain.  In general, most women can talk and sleep and are able to move their legs.