If you are planning on having children, labor is one of the most physically demanding experiences you will have. If you’re expecting, you’ve probably already started thinking about how you want to manage pain during delivery. An epidural is one of the most common options, but there is conflicting and false information to be aware of. Let’s clear things up so you can make a confident, informed choice.
How an Epidural Works
An epidural is a type of regional anesthesia that blocks pain signals from your lower body. An anesthesiologist places a thin catheter into the epidural space near your spinal cord, usually in your lower back. Through that catheter, medication is delivered that numbs the nerves carrying pain signals from your uterus and cervix.
Most people start feeling relief within 10 to 20 minutes. You’ll still be awake and alert during labor, and many women can still feel pressure and the urge to push, even though the sharp pain is significantly reduced. The catheter stays in place so medication can be adjusted throughout labor as needed.
Common Side Effects of an Epidural
Like any medical procedure, epidurals come with some possible side effects. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared.
A drop in blood pressure is one of the most common side effects, which is why your care team monitors you closely and provides IV fluids beforehand. Some women experience itching from the medication, and mild soreness at the injection site for a day or two after delivery is also normal.
Headaches can occur if the needle goes slightly too deep and causes a spinal fluid leak, but this is rare and treatable. Some women also notice temporary difficulty urinating, so a catheter for your bladder may be placed during labor. Shivering is another side effect that can happen during or after the epidural is placed, though it usually passes on its own.
Some Common Myths
There is no shortage of epidural myths floating around online and in conversations between friends. Here are some of the biggest ones that should be corrected.
“Epidurals cause back pain.” This is one of the most persistent myths out there. Research consistently shows that epidurals do not cause long-term back pain. Soreness at the injection site can last a few days, but chronic back pain after delivery is typically related to the physical demands of pregnancy and postpartum recovery, not the epidural itself.
“Epidurals slow down labor.” Studies show that epidurals do not significantly increase the overall length of labor. The pushing stage may last a bit longer in some cases, but this does not typically affect outcomes for mom or baby.
“You can’t move at all with an epidural.” Modern epidurals use lower doses of medication than they did decades ago. Many women still have some ability to shift positions in bed and can feel enough pressure to push effectively during delivery.
“Epidurals are dangerous for the baby.” The medication used in an epidural stays localized and reaches the baby in only very small amounts. Research has not shown harmful effects on newborns from epidural use during labor.
Other Pain Relief Options During Labor
An epidural isn’t your only choice for pain relief. Depending on your preferences and how your labor progresses, there are several other approaches to managing pain.
IV pain medications like opioids can take the edge off contractions, though they tend to cause drowsiness and are usually given earlier in labor rather than close to delivery. Nitrous oxide, sometimes called laughing gas, is another option that some hospitals and birth centers offer. You breathe it in through a mask during contractions, and it helps reduce anxiety and take the edge off pain without numbing you completely.
Non-medication options can also play a meaningful role. Breathing techniques, position changes, hydrotherapy (like laboring in a warm shower or tub), massage, and the support of a doula or labor coach are all strategies that many women find helpful. Some women use these approaches on their own, and others combine them with medical pain relief.
Making the Right Choice for You
There is no single right answer when it comes to pain management during labor. Some women know from the start that they want an epidural. Others prefer to wait and see how labor goes before making a decision. Both approaches are completely valid.
The most important thing is that you feel informed and supported. Talk with your provider during your prenatal visits about your options, your concerns, and what matters most to you for your birth experience. Having a plan is great, but staying flexible is just as important because labor doesn’t always go the way you expect.
If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, schedule an appointment with The Ob-Gyn Center to talk through your birth preferences and pain relief options with your care team. Call (702) 978-8900 or visit lasvegasobgyncenter.com to request an appointment.
