What is an epidural anesthetic?
Epidural anesthesia is a type of regional anesthesia (i.e. it affects the lower region of your body). This is accomplished by the placement of a very small plastic tube into the lower back. One end of the tube rests just outside the sack that holds spinal fluid. A dilute solution of numbing medicine and narcotic is placed through the tube and gradually bathes the nerves going to your lower body to relieve pain. Medication can be given through the tube continuously and either increased or decreased as needed to keep you comfortable during labor. These medications stay in this area of your back and do not enter your blood stream in significant amounts. Because of this, you and your baby are not sedated. However, the epidural anesthetic may be started at a time in labor when you are very tired and you may naturally fall asleep when the pain goes away. Epidural anesthesia works quite well and about three-quarters of women delivering in hospitals request this type of pain relief.
