What is an epidural?

An epidural is a type of local anaesthetic injected into the space around the spine to reduce the sensation of labour pains.

An epidural will not make you unconscious, but it will stop you feeling any pain in the lower half of your body. It is a very popular method of pain relief during labour and childbirth and is normally given once labour has begun, and before the entrance to the womb (cervix) starts to open wider.

Epidural anaesthesia is also used as a pain blocker in operations on the lower body, such as hip replacements and knee replacements.

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