Epidural Childbirth: Questions & Answers

Can anyone have an epidural?

Most patients can. The following cannot:

• A known allergy to anaesthetic medication
• Poor overall condition (e.g. significant blood loss or dehydration)
• A bleeding or clotting disorder (which can make an epidural haematoma more likely)
• Infection or a tumour at the site the anaesthetic would be given (the back)
• Certain heart conditions, spinal nerve conditions, or spine conditions

An epidural may also not be possible if there is not enough time to place the tube, for example where labour is very advanced or progressing very quickly.

Is epidural anaesthesia safe?

Serious complications from epidural anaesthesia are rare, though side effects can include:

• Discomfort at the tube insertion site
• Temporary low blood pressure, which generally responds to repositioning or IV fluids
• A headache after the epidural needle is placed, which generally resolves within about a week
• Very rare complications: temporary shivering, local anaesthetic toxicity, epidural haematoma, epidural abscess, breathing difficulty

This hospital performs over 1,000 epidural procedures a year (April 2023 to March 2024); no serious side effect or complication attributable to the procedure occurred over that period.

Does an epidural always work completely?

Because both anaesthetic response and the experience of labour pain vary between individuals, we cannot guarantee complete pain relief for every patient. We adjust dosing and technique to how labour is progressing, aiming for a result that most patients find satisfactory.

When does the epidural begin?

Once labour is properly established (once pain has begun), generally around 5cm of cervical dilation.

Can I still push?

Labour pain is largely relieved, but most patients can still feel the sensation of a contraction and can push along with it. If you cannot feel that sensation, our staff will guide you using the contraction monitor.