During your delivery, you may have the option to receive an administration epidural to help you manage the pain associated with contractions. Between myth and reality, it is not always easy to know what to expect from this method of anesthesia. In this article, we answer the questions you may have about epidurals to help you make your choice and prepare for your baby’s arrival.

What is an epidural?

An epidural is an anesthetic that helps reduce pain . It is most often used to relieve contraction pain during labor before your baby arrives. An anesthesiologist administers it in the lower back. Using a needle, they inject it into the space between two vertebrae. It is placed below the spinal cord, which begins higher up in the back.

When should one get an epidural?

The timing of epidural placement usually depends on the practices of the maternity ward. Do not hesitate to ask about this when you meet the team who will be caring for you during delivery. Usually, the epidural is administered when the cervix is dilated between 3 and 7 cm , or when the expectant mother decides that contraction pain is too intense.

It is generally recommended not to ask for it too early. However, pain is personal, and you know better than anyone when you can no longer cope.

More and more maternity wards administer epidurals up to 45 minutes before the baby’s arrival. That is why it is important to ask the right questions to the midwife caring for you during delivery.

Is the epidural painful?

Epidural anesthesia is a very commonly performed procedure. It has become very common during childbirth , and anesthesiologists are used to administering it. Before placing the epidural, the anesthesiologist gives a local anesthetic to reduce what you feel. You may experience some soreness in the days that follow, but it is usually mild. Overall, complications after an epidural are quite rare.

How long does it take for epidural anesthesia to take effect?

The epidural begins to take effect 10 to 20 minutes after placement. You will quickly feel the effects of this injection. Hang in there! If it takes a little longer to work, do not stay in pain—talk to your midwife and the anesthesiologist.

How long do the effects of the epidural last?

The epidural works as long as the anesthetic is being administered. It is possible to adjust its intensity depending on the moment. In more and more maternity wards, expectant mothers have a small remote control that allows them to administer a small additional dose of anesthetic and manage the dosage. You can ask your midwife for guidance on dosing, as both expectant mothers and medical staff generally prefer the epidural to be a bit lighter when it is time to push. It also works if you need a .... episiotomy .

In which position is the epidural administered?

To receive your epidural, the anesthesiologist will ask you to sit on the edge of the bed with your back rounded and your shoulders as low as possible. In very rare cases, you may be offered a lying position instead. You can request this during the preliminary appointment with the anesthesiologist in your eighth month of pregnancy. This mandatory appointment is part of the process.

How is the epidural administration performed?

Placing an epidural generally takes about 5 minutes if everything goes smoothly. If you have scoliosis or another issue, it may take longer. It is done in 5 steps:

• Setting up a field (sterile drape) on the back.

• Disinfection of the area with a large brush.

• Local anesthesia with a small needle.

• Injection with the needle (the needle used to place an epidural is, on average, about 8 cm long; however, you should not feel it pass).

• Placement du cathéter , a very thin tube that allows the product to pass through and is then taped to the back. The needle is removed once the catheter is in place.

The catheter is used to administer the anesthetic for the epidural, but it can also be used if it can be performed while you are conscious.

Can a spouse attend the installation?

More and more medical teams allow the partner to be present. It is best to ask in advance, as this depends on the maternity ward. Another important point: the procedure involves needles, and if your partner is sensitive, it can be intimidating to watch.

How to prepare for an epidural?

If the epidural worries you, do not hesitate to discuss it with your midwife or gynecologist. They can explain the procedure in detail and reassure you.

During your appointment with the anesthesiologist, they will explain exactly how the epidural is administered. You will be able to ask any questions that come to mind. Remember, there are no silly questions.

During this appointment, the doctor will conduct a thorough interview. You will discuss your medical history and any health issues, with the aim of anticipating needs and being prepared for the big day. An epidural is still a medical procedure, and healthcare professionals take the necessary precautions to ensure your baby’s arrival goes as smoothly as possible.

Epidural and tattoo: are they compatible?

If you have a small ankle tattoo, do not worry—you are not affected. However, if you have a large tattoo on your lower back that covers the lumbar area, some anesthesiologists may refuse to perform the epidural . This is because there is a very small risk that tattoo ink could enter the cerebrospinal fluid during the injection. The anesthesiologist will discuss this with you during the preparatory appointment, but do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have.

Are there any risks or side effects associated with the epidural?

Epidural anesthesia is a type of anesthesia that works very well and is well tolerated in most cases . However, not everyone reacts in the same way. Some women feel less of the epidural’s effect.

Sometimes, the epidural can cause lingering headaches or back pain, but these usually do not last long. During childbirth, if the dosage is too high when it is time to push, you may have difficulty delivering the baby. The medical team may then need to use instruments to assist in the delivery of your little one (forceps or vacuum).

Are there alternatives to epidural anesthesia?

There are alternatives to epidural anesthesia, and it is by no means mandatory. You can choose to give birth “naturally” , meaning without medication to relieve pain. Be sure to note this clearly in your birth plan so the entire medical team is aware of your wishes for childbirth. You can choose from various techniques, such as yoga, breathing, and many others.

If you cannot access epidural anesthesia for various reasons, but you are looking for medical support to relieve pain , the medical team may offer morphine or laughing gas. We recommend discussing this thoroughly beforehand with the team who will support you during delivery.

Whatever you decide about the epidural, it is your choice. And even if you initially decided not to have one, you have every right to change your mind during labor. The same goes the other way around. What matters most is that you experience childbirth in the best way possible.