Epidural Anaesthesia for Labour
The procedure
The anaesthetist numbs a small area of the lower back by injecting local anaesthetic under the skin. Using a special needle, the anaesthetist inserts a thin plastic tube (catheter) through the spinal ligaments between two vertebrae in the lower back (see figure). The catheter is made of soft, flexible plastic. A local anaesthetic is injected through the catheter to temporarily numb spinal nerves. After anaesthetic solution is injected, pain relief takes about 10 minutes. The catheter remains in place throughout labour. The first dose usually wears off after one or two hours. As each woman is different, it is not possible to predict how much epidural anaesthetic a woman will require during
labour.
This patient advisory is intended to provide you with general information.
It is not a substitute for advice from your anaesthetist. You are encouraged to discuss the benefits and risks of anaesthesia with your anaesthetist. This is an abridged version of the ASA patient education pamphlet: Epidural anaesthesia and pain relief during labour – a guide for patients. The complete pamphlet is available from your anaesthetist.
Childbirth is a natural process
Decisions about an epidural anaesthetic are made after discussion with your anaesthetist and obstetrician. Although the choice is normally up to the mother, the obstetrician may recommend an epidural for medical reasons.
Before the epidural anaesthetic
Your anaesthetist needs to know your complete medical history. Your obstetrician and anaesthetist will advise you about medications that you may need to continue or stop taking. Tell your anaesthetist if you have had:
- A bad reaction to anaesthetic drugs or any other medicine
- A bleeding disorder or easy bruising
- Any long-term or recent illnesses
- Surgery to the lower back.
