Should I get an epidural?

Author: Hannah Goodings | Reviewer: Frédérique Courtois | Published: 11 September 2023 | Updated: ~

An epidural can reduce pain during delivery for some and it is also a valuable tool used to decrease the risk of AD. Because of its utility in decreasing the risk of AD, epidural injection may be recommended regardless of the mother’s ability to feel birthing pains. In particular, it is recommended that women with SCI above T6 should have an epidural catheter placed at T10. In some cases, an epidural may be difficult if the mother has had lumbar or thoracic spinal surgery in the past. If an epidural cannot be completed, a local anesthetic may be used before any birthing surgeries such as an episiotomy.