Epidural anesthesia involves putting a sterile guide needle and a small
tube (epidural catheter) into the space around the spinal cord (epidural space). The epidural catheter is placed
at or below the waist.
The guide needle is inserted and removed,
while the catheter remains in place. The catheter is taped in place up the
center of your back and at the top of your shoulder.
An anesthetic
medicine is injected into the catheter to numb your body below the insertion
site. The amount of discomfort or pain that you have depends on the amount of
anesthetic used. Less anesthetic (often called a light epidural) will allow you
to be more active in your labor and feel enough to push effectively. With
higher levels of anesthetic, you will feel little or no pain from your
contractions. You may be required to remain in bed when an epidural is
used.
ByHealthwise Staff Primary Medical ReviewerSarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Specialist Medical ReviewerJohn M. Freedman, MD - Anesthesiology
Medical Review:
Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & John M. Freedman, MD - Anesthesiology
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