Epidural - series

• Procedure, part 1
• Procedure, part 2
• Procedure, part 3
• Procedure, part 4
• Procedure, part 5
• Procedure, part 6

Procedure, part 6:

The major benefit of having an epidural is that you can remain awake, alert, and almost totally pain-free while actively participating in your baby's birth. You can also relax and conserve your energy during a long labor. To lower the odds of side effects for you and your baby, your doctor will likely give you the lowest effective dose.

• Reviewed last on: 5/2/2008
• Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine; Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.