Epidurals are a type of pain relief available in hospital.

They are given by a specialist doctor called an anaesthetist, or a qualified doctor (registrar) training to become one. An anaesthetist is a medical doctor who has had many years of extra training in pain relief, anaesthesia (putting people to sleep for surgery), and keeping people safe and comfortable during medical procedures.

An epidural works by numbing the nerves in the lower part of your body, which reduces labour pain.

Watch the video below to help you decide whether an epidural in labour might be right for you.

Please note: The video below says epidurals slightly increase the chance of needing forceps or a ventouse (vacuum) to help deliver the baby. This information is based on older research that used stronger doses of medication than we commonly use in Aotearoa New Zealand today. More recent research (since 2015) shows no increased risk.