Epidural 101: What You Need to Know

Epidural

When it comes to labor, finding the best positions can make a significant difference in both comfort and progression, whether you’re planning for an unmedicated birth or opting for an epidural. In this blog post, we’ll break down some of the most effective labor positions based on where your baby is within your pelvis and whether or not you have an epidural. These positions can help create the space needed for your baby to move through the pelvis and make the labor process smoother.

What is an Epidural?

An epidural is a form of Neuraxial Regional Anesthesia, which essentially means it numbs you from about the belly button down. It’s administered by placing a thin catheter into the epidural space, located in front of the spinal cord. Contrary to common misconceptions, the needle used to place the epidural does not stay in your back. Once the epidural is placed, the needle is removed, and the thin catheter remains to deliver the pain relief medication.

The epidural is not injected directly into the spinal fluid but rather into the potential space where nerve endings are located. This distinction is crucial because it explains why epidurals don’t provide instant relief. Instead, the medication is slowly absorbed by the nerve endings, causing numbness over about 15 to 30 minutes.

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How is an Epidural Administered?

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When it’s time to place the epidural, you’ll be asked to sit on the side of the bed with your feet dangling off. The goal is to open up the lower portion of your spine to create space for the anesthesiologist to place the catheter.

To do this, you’ll need to round your lower back, almost like you’re curling around a pillow. It’s important to focus on rounding the lower spine rather than the upper back because it’s the lower part of your spine that needs to open up. A good way to prepare for this positioning is to practice spinal mobility movements during pregnancy, such as rock backs on a birthing ball. These exercises can help you access that lower spinal flexibility when you need it most.

Why Consider an Epidural?

An epidural can be a valuable tool during labor, particularly if you’re experiencing a long labor or if you simply prefer to minimize pain during childbirth. By decreasing the amount of pain you feel, an epidural can make the birthing process more comfortable.

Understanding the placement process and the reason behind the time it takes for the epidural to work can also help reduce anxiety. Knowing what to expect can make the procedure smoother and help you get pain relief more quickly.

Ready to dive deeper into understanding epidurals and how they can be a part of your birth plan? Join our comprehensive online childbirth education course, where we explore everything you need to know about epidurals, including how to prepare your body, what to expect during placement, and how to make the best decisions for your labor experience. Empower yourself with knowledge and gain the confidence to navigate your childbirth journey. Enroll today and take the first step toward a more informed and comfortable birth experience!

Hello! Wanted to send a thank you for all the incredible content and podcasts you share. I was able to have a natural birth this last Saturday and had listened or practiced a ton of the things you all share. I worked out regularly through my pregnancy and added in some of the training recommendations you had. I also made a list of things to do in each phase or labor, and when the nurses would tell me where baby was at in my pelvis I immediately could adjust my position or use different ideas. The birth comb got me through contractions, and it honestly blows my mind that I was able to do it naturally. Thanks for sharing such amazing info!

Thank you so much for the content you share! I just had my first unmedicated birth with no interventions, after having epidurals and pitocin in my first two deliveries. I used so much of your advice on stretches and exercises leading up to labor and tips for labor and pushing! Between you ladies and having a doula for the first time. I felt so confident in the type of delivery I wanted to have and I was able to achieve it! And with the help of my Rockstar hubby too! Thank you SO much!

I just had to reach out and say thank you thank you for your amazing brain and program! I followed your shorter version for the prenatal program (with a 2 and 3 year old, it was the perfect amount). Up until birth, I felt incredible, like literally no discomfort like my other 2 pregnancies. I went in to spontaneous labor at 40 and 1 (I’ve never experienced spontaneous labor and last pregnancy, I went 42 and 4 and still didn’t go in to labor on my own). As well as this birth I achieved a VBA2C. You played a big part in this pregnancy journey, and I cannot recommend you enough with anyone looking for ways to prepare for birth! 💜

Preparing for an Epidural

If you’re open to getting an epidural, it’s a good idea to incorporate spinal mobility exercises into your prenatal routine. These exercises can make it easier for you to get into the necessary position when the time comes, which can, in turn, make the epidural placement process quicker and more effective.

Epidural Labor Positions

Even with an epidural you can still move into different labor positions to create space in the pelvis for your baby! However, you may not have the same movement capability if you were unmedicated. Because of limited mobility, we can use the peanut ball to help create space in the pelvis and move!

Conclusion

Epidurals are a popular and effective method for managing pain during childbirth. By understanding how they work, what the placement involves, and how to prepare, you can make informed decisions about your pain management options.

If you have more questions about epidurals or want to learn more, feel free to comment below. And don’t forget to like and subscribe to our channel for more educational videos on pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care—we release new content twice a week, along with a weekly workout video.

Gina Conley, MS