An epidural is a form of local anesthesia that can help you manage the pain of childbirth. An epidural is probably the most popular form of labor pain management, as the majority of women in many areas elect to take the medication. An epidural is usually only administered once active labor has begun (doctors look for 4 or 5 cm dilation) and is injected into the lower back in a normally painless procedure.

Once you’ve received the shot, your healthcare professional will connect the needle to a catheter and tape the catheter to you before removing the needle. This setup allows you to move comfortably and the doctors to dispense more of the medication as you need it. Read more…