An epidural is a common form of regional anesthesia used during labor to provide pain relief. Medication is injected into the epidural space of the spine to block nerve signals from the lower part of the body, allowing mothers to remain awake and alert during delivery while experiencing significantly reduced pain. While effective for pain management, epidural analgesia can sometimes prolong the second stage of labor and may have other effects on the delivery process.
Michael S. Porter
Eric C. Nordby