Epidural: Reducing Pain During Childbirth + Alternatives | Stanford

It’s perfectly natural to be curious or concerned about pain during childbirth. Many things can help with labor pain, and your providers want you to have the information you need to make the pain control choices that are right for you.

In this video, Dr. Naola Austin answers commonly asked questions about epidurals:

0:00 Introduction
0:35 What is an epidural?
1:08 How is an epidural given?
1:54 How long will it take to start feeling the effects of the epidural?
2:14 How long does an epidural last?
2:33 How big is the epidural needle and catheter?
2:48 Who can get an epidural?
3:10 Can receiving an epidural lead to a cesarean section?
3:31 Can an epidural slow down labor?
3:52 What is the difference between an epidural and spinal anesthesia?
4:33 What are the most common side effects of epidurals?
4:49 “I have heard the epidurals can cause paralysis, is that true?”
5:11 What are the alternatives to receiving an epidural for pain relief during labor?
6:03 “What happens if I got an epidural, but now I need a cesarean section?”
6:22 “Can an epidural affect my baby?”

Dr. Naola Austin is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Anesthesia-OB at Stanford Medicine.

The information in this video was accurate as of the upload date, 4/26/2022. For information purposes only. Consult your local medical authority or your healthcare practitioner for advice.

This video is a production of the Stanford Center for Health Education team, in collaboration with Stanford Medicine and the Stanford Center for Professional Development.

At the Stanford Center for Health Education, we believe that expanding access to engaging education has the power to change behaviors, improve health, and save lives.

Stanford Center for Health Education

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