Pain relief techniques such as epidurals are often utilised to make the process of labour more tolerable. Low concentration pain relief solutions are generally used which allow women to have some sensation of the contractions, which helps with being able to push effectively. Prior to placement of an epidural, Dr Hunt will answer any questions and place an intravenous cannula. It is appreciated that often this is during a painful time and Dr Hunt will work around the mother’s willingness to communicate at this time.

Epidural anaesthesia is the most effective pain relief available during labour. Medication is given via a soft plastic catheter placed, through the skin of the back, into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord. Using local anaesthetics to numb the skin, the process to insert an epidural is usually tolerated well. Patients will be positioned to a curved back posture to facilitate insertion.

Depending on the anatomy of the patient, insertion of an epidural anaesthesia takes around 10-30 minutes. After the initial dose of medication, labour pain will start to reduce in 5-10 minutes although the full effect of epidural is felt after 15-20minutes.

Please see the below links and video for more information.

Risks and issues with epidurals:

• Inability to walk while in labour
• Need for a urinary catheter (To prevent damage to bladder)
• Pain during the placement
• Not working, patchy or inadequate block (1:10)
• Headache (1:200)
• Low blood pressure (very rarely may result Caesarean section)
• Back ache (usually related to pregnancy hormones and not the epidural)
• Very rarely nerve damage, infection or bleeding near the spinal cord (approximately 1:10,000)

The Australia and New Zealand College of Anaesthetist (ANZCA) provides detailed information about risks of epidural anaesthesia on their website. An ANZCA produced information handout “Pain relief and having a baby” is downloadable here.