What Is an Epidural?

An epidural is a form of regional anesthesia used for pain relief during labour.

An anesthesiologist inserts a needle between two vertebrae in your lower back into the epidural space (the space surrounding the spinal cord). A very small catheter (soft tube) is threaded through the needle, and then the needle is removed — nothing sharp stays in your back.

Medication is delivered through this catheter either continuously or in doses (boluses) throughout labour. The catheter usually stays in place until after your placenta is delivered.

In Canada, approximately 57.8% of birthing individuals received an epidural (2015–2016 data), so it is a very common option.

Does It Hurt?

Before the epidural is placed, the anesthesiologist will numb the area with local anesthetic. This “freezing” often feels similar to getting freezing at the dentist — briefly uncomfortable and sometimes sharp for a few seconds.

After that, you shouldn’t feel pain during placement, but you may feel:

• Pressure in your back
  
• A pushing sensation
  
• Occasional brief tingling or zapping sensations down one leg
  

These sensations are typically short-lived and resolve once the catheter is positioned.

Will I Be Able to Move?

This depends on the type and dose of medication used and your hospital’s policies.

Some hospitals offer lighter or “walking” epidurals, but most individuals will remain in bed for safety. That said, movement is still encouraged and possible in many cases, including:

• Side-lying positions
  
• Supported squats in bed
  
• Lunging with assistance
  
• Peanut ball positioning
  

Your legs may feel heavy or numb, but you should still be able to adjust positions with support.

Does an Epidural Slow Down Labour?

This is where context matters.

Epidurals can be associated with:

• A longer second stage (pushing phase)
  
• Increased need for assisted delivery (vacuum or forceps in some cases)
  

However, they can also:

• Allow your body to relax
  
• Reduce stress hormones
  
• Help labour progress if tension and pain are inhibiting dilation
  

For some people, pain relief actually improves labour progression. For others, it may slow things down. It truly depends on the situation.

What Are the Risks?

Every medical procedure has potential risks and side effects. Your anesthesiologist will review these with you beforehand. Some possibilities include:

• Limited mobility
  
• Low blood pressure (this is why you receive IV fluids and monitoring)
  
• Difficulty urinating (a urinary catheter is often placed)
  
• Fever
  
• Headache (rare but can occur if spinal fluid is affected)
  
• Back soreness at the insertion site
  
• Very rare but serious complications, which anesthesia will discuss
  

It’s also important to note: lower back pain is common after birth — even without an epidural — due to the physical strain of labour.

When Should I Get an Epidural?

There is no “right” dilation or perfect timing.

You can receive an epidural:

• At 1–2 cm
  
• At 5–6 cm
  
• Even at 9–10 cm
  

It depends on:

• Your pain tolerance
  
• Your birth goals
  
• How quickly labour is progressing
  
• Anesthesia availability
  

Sometimes there simply isn’t enough time. In smaller hospitals with only one anesthesiologist, they may be in surgery or placing another epidural. Availability can influence timing.

If pain management is important to you, it’s helpful to:

• Ask your provider about anesthesia availability at your hospital
  
• Understand potential wait times
  
• Keep an open mind — labour can change quickly

Final Thoughts

An epidural is neither “good” nor “bad.” It’s a tool.

For some, it’s empowering and allows them to be present and calm. For others, they prefer to labour without it. The key is understanding your options so you can make informed decisions in the moment.

At CRANE, our goal is never to tell you what to choose, but to make sure you feel confident, supported, and prepared no matter how your birth unfolds.