An epidural is the most popular and well-known pain management method for pregnant women. More than half of women opt for an epidural during labor, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
There are two primary types of epidurals: patient-controlled epidurals and walking epidurals. A walking epidural allows you to get up and walk around during labor. It’s a combination of an epidural and a spinal block.
Although you may have heard of it, you may not be as familiar with how an epidural is done. Here are the six basic steps to administering an epidural during pregnancy:
- 1. The patient’s lower back is sterilized with antiseptic.
- 2. A local anesthetic is given to numb epidural area.
- 3. A needle is inserted into the patient’s spinal cord.
- 4. A small catheter (tube) is threaded through the needle.
- 5. The needle is removed.
- 6. The catheter remains to give pain medication (either through injection or infusion).
If you have further questions or concerns about epidurals, talk to your OB/GYN about the pros and cons to see if it’s the best pain management option for you.