Epidural block

An epidural block can be given in the labor room. Block placement usually isn't painful, although there might be some discomfort from numbing the skin before the block. Small tubes (epidural catheters) placed in the low back allow a pump to drip pain medicine into the lower body.

A test dose might ensure the epidural is in the right place. It takes up to 15 minutes for the medication to take effect, depending on the type of anesthetic used.

Your health care provider will discuss with you the best time to ask for an epidural during labor — either soon after your labor starts or as labor goes on. You might not be able to have an epidural if you have had major surgery in your lower back, have low blood-clotting factors, have an infection in your lower back or are on certain blood thinners.