Epidural Anesthesia

Childbirth is a beautiful experience – but it also can be painful. Before you deliver your baby, you may want to consider your options to help manage pain.

One option is epidural anesthesia. Often referred to simply as an epidural, this procedure is used to block pain in a particular region of the body such as the belly, hips or legs. Many women choose to have an epidural to ease the discomfort of delivery. It’s also used in surgeries and to treat ongoing pain.

What to Expect

Mercy anesthesiologists are trained experts in epidurals. We administer the medication through an injection near the spinal cord and surrounding nerves before you start active labor. You will begin to feel the effects about 10 to 15 minutes after the injection, and you may receive additional injections as needed. Epidural anesthesia poses little risk to you or your baby.

Should you need extensive labor pain relief, we’ll discuss your options, as well as the risks and benefits.

An epidural is a completely optional procedure – it is up to you to decide if you want to use pain medication or not. Talk to your doctor or midwife about your pain management options, and include your preferences in your birth plan. Every baby’s birth is unique, and we’ll do all we can to provide the experince you desire.