Anesthesia Options for Labor

Regional Anesthesia

Regional anesthetics may be used to numb your lower body during vaginal or cesarean birth. Since these anesthetics don’t circulate in your blood, little, if any, of the drug reaches your baby.

• An epidural is most often given while you sit up or lie curled up on your side. A needle holding a flexible tube (catheter) is placed into your lower back. The needle is removed and the anesthetic is supplied through the catheter as needed. Sometimes a pump is attached to the catheter. The pump gives you a constant level of anesthetic throughout labor and delivery. Since epidurals only partly affect muscle control, you should still be able to push during a vaginal birth.

• A spinal is most often given in one fast-acting dose right before delivery. You may be sitting up or lying down when it is injected. This may affect muscle control in your lower body. This includes the ability to push.