Does an epidural affect the progress of labor?
a. The first stage of labor (until the cervix is fully dilated): The effect of an epidural on this stage is impossible to predict in an individual. Labor might not be affected at all; or labor might slow down and a drug (oxytocin) will be needed to speed it up; or labor might go faster, especially in some patients who develop poor labor patterns and are progressing slowly. b. The second stage (the pushing stage, after full dilatation and until delivery): This stage is usually longer with an epidural, but there is no evidence that this harms mother or baby; if the patient is very numb, she might not push effectively. For this reason, we try to balance pain relief so that the patient is comfortable but still feels some pressure in the rectum and vagina during contractions.
