Epidurals

Choosing a form of pain relief for your labor and delivery is important. The epidural is a popular form of pain relief for labor and for cesarean sections. Is it right for your birth?

Lots of women will chose to have an epidural in labor. Do you know what that entails and what you're likely to feel or not feel?

An epidural is the most popular form of pain relief for childbirth. But there are reasons that you can't have one - learning those reasons might save you some heart ache in labor.

Getting an epidural in labor can be a great form of pain relief. Here is how to get the most out of an epidural in labor.

Since that Mad About You episode about the "window" of opportunity to get an epidural being closed for Jaime, women have been very nervous that they too will find that there is a window they've missed if they wait too long. Good news - that's generally a myth, here's why...

When getting an epidural you may wonder who will be with you and if one of those people will be someone you know...

Here is a collection of birth videos where the mom's choose to use epidurals during their labor.

Epidural anesthesia is the most common form of medication used for pain relief in labor. Here is a step by step look at what goes into an epidural and how it will effect mom, baby and labor.

Many women choose an epidural for their labor. But what is it really like getting an epidural?

When epidural anesthesia is used there are some special things that you can do to support mom to make her more comfortable in labor.

One thing many women consider doing to reduce the risks of forceps or vacuum delivery when using an epidural is to have it turned down or off towards the end of labor and pushing. Does it work?

Photos of an epidural insertion for labor and birth. The first page is of smaller photos with fewer details for those who prefer not to see it, with the option for close ups.

Spinal headache is one of the risks of spinal or epidural anesthesia.

Many discussions take place on preparing for and receiving and epidural. Here is what goes on after your birth with an epidural.

These are birth stories from women who gave birth using epidural anesthesia. Some planned ahead of time to use the epidural while others didn't. Read the stories in their own words.

The basics of epidural anesthesia for labor and birth.

So, you're planning on an epidural for labor. Do you still need those childbirth classes? The answer might surprise you.

With all the advances of technology now women who opt for medications during labor have much better options. Learn about some of the newest!

Birth stories from women who chose epidurals, from your About.com Guide.

Should you take drugs during your labor or birth?

With more and more women having low back tattoos, does it interfere with an epidural in labor?

Sarah Buckley, MD writes this article in a very through, documented way, without being scary or frightening. Journal articles are cited.

Arguements for and against.

An epidural doesn't always take away all of the pain of labor. Here are some great ideas on how to help ease labor pain with an epidural from doula and childbirth educator, Brenda Lane.

Dr. Lewis Mehl-Madrona looks at the risks of epidural anesthesia from a medical perspective from the small risks to the big risks.

It's important to have informed consent about any procedure, read the sample consent form.

Maternal experience during epidural or combined spinal-epidural anesthesia for cesarean section: a prospective, randomized trial.

Reported side effects of epidural anesthesia.

Collection of information on walking epidurals.

Most of the time we gloss over what everyone else says, thinks or does when it comes to labor pain. But what about dad? Does he get a say? What did he think about epidurals in labor? Was he more pro natural childbirth? Was he begging for the epidural for himself? Just how did it go in your family?

While an epidural should give you good pain relief in labor, do you have a back up plan in case the epidural doesn't work?

A review of the book Epidural Without Guilt.

Spinal headaches are not super common, but when they happen after you've had a baby, it's bad news and painful. Here are some moms sharing their stories.