Epidural Anesthesia for Labor and Birth - Medications for Labor

Epidural Risks

Fetal Monitoring for Epidural Anesthesia

Photo © A.D.A.M.

• fetal distress
• fetal malpositioning
• increase in the cesarean rate
• increase in the use of forceps and vacuum
• maternal fever

These are relatively common with epidurals, but corrections require various procedures. Paralysis, numbness, nerve injury, accidental spinal and infection for mom are really rare but do occur.

• Making the Decision to Have an Epidural
• Preparing for the Epidural
• The Epidural Procedure
• What You Will Feel with an Epidural
• Labor with an Epidural
• What to do if the epidural doesn't work.
• Epidural Risks
• Epidural Recovery