Epidural

An epidural is an anaesthetic injection into the spine. You remain awake and conscious but it numbs the nerves supplying the uterus and cervix, so that you can no longer feel contractions. Epidurals are most useful during the first stage of labour. Once you are moving into the second stage you are usually past the point where an epidural could be helpful.   

Epidurals can also remove sensation from your legs and feet and this may make it harder for you to walk. You will not be able to feel when your bladder is full so you will also need to have a catheter inserted to empty the urine. A full bladder can make it more difficult to give birth. An epidural can make your contractions less strong, which means that your labour may take longer. You often won’t be able to feel when you need to push and your midwife will have to tell you. Epidurals make it more likely that you will need forceps or ventouse to give birth. An episiotomy (that is, a cut through the tissue between the back wall of the vagina and the back passage) will be necessary if you have a forceps delivery and may be needed if you have a ventouse.  

Caesarean sections are now usually done with an epidural in place so you can be awake during the operation.