Epidural Pain Relief in Labour: A Complete Guide

**Reading Time**: 8 minutes

What is an Epidural?

An epidural can be a helpful pain management tool, especially if you have a long, hard labour and you’re feeling tense and overwhelmed. In this instance, an epidural can allow you to rest so you can gather energy for the pushing stage. If you’re finding it difficult to relax despite embracing breathing practices, movement and gas and air, an epidural can offer you physical rest and mental space so that you can continue labouring calmly, which may prompt your cervix to dilate and your pelvic floor to relax.

Understanding How Epidurals Affect Labour

An epidural can slow down labour. Oxytocin works as part of a positive feedback cycle – the strength, intensity and pain of your contractions triggers the release of more oxytocin, which prompts more contractions. When you stop feeling that pain and you’re no longer feeling that trigger, the oxytocin levels drop and contractions may slow down or stop. Furthermore, because movement and gravity are taken away with an epidural, your baby’s head isn’t pressing as firmly on your cervix, hence there’s less pressure and slower contractions.

Preparing for an Epidural

Before the procedure:

• You’ll need to wait for an anaesthetist (potentially up to an hour)
• A cannula will be inserted for IV fluids
• You’ll receive normal saline to manage blood pressure
• A urinary catheter will be inserted after the epidural

The Epidural Procedure

The procedure involves:

1. Sitting on the edge of the bed
2. Cleaning your back with antiseptic
3. Curling over a cushion to curve your spine
4. Staying still during contractions
5. Receiving local anaesthetic
6. Inserting a thin tube into the epidural space
7. Administering anaesthetic and fentanyl

After the Procedure

• Numbness from bellybutton down
• Possible maintenance of some sensation
• Unable to stand or walk
• Ice test to check effectiveness
• Access to a controlled analgesic pump

Timing Your Epidural

You can request an epidural upon admission to the birthing unit, though it may be too late if you’re nearing transition.

Consider:

• Trying non-pharmacological pain relief first
• Understanding these methods have fewer risks
• Knowing they’re less likely to slow labour
• Discussing timing with your midwife

Benefits of Having an Epidural

An epidural can provide:

• Excellent pain relief
• Opportunity to rest during long labours
• Relief from exhaustion and fatigue
• Potential help with cervical dilation if you’re tense
• Options for side-lying positions with peanut ball support

Understanding the Risks

Key considerations include:

• Potential blood pressure drops affecting baby
• Limited birthing positions
• Longer pushing phase
• Increased likelihood of instrumental birth
• Possible need for synthetic oxytocin
• Risk of severe perineal trauma

Making an Informed Choice

Consider:

• Your birth preferences
• Labour progression
• Energy levels
• Available support
• Alternative pain relief options

– Pain Relief in Labour and Childbirth

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an epidural last?

An epidural provides continuous pain relief through a pump system that you can control within safe limits.

Can I move around with an epidural?

Most women cannot walk after an epidural, but you can change positions with assistance and use tools like peanut balls for comfort.
 
 

**Important Note**: This information is for educational purposes only. Discuss your pain relief options with your healthcare provider.