Epidurals are a form of pain relief that are offered only in hospitals, and are placed only by Anaesthetists. They work by blocking pain signals from the lower half of your body.

Watch the video below to help decide if choosing an Epidural in labour might be right for you.

Note: the video mentions epidurals are associated with slightly increased risk of needing forceps or ventouse to help baby be born. This reflects old literature reviewing stronger concentrations of medications than is commonly used in Aotearoa, NZ. Most recent literature (post 2015) shows no increased risk. Let's go

Your Labour Your Way
New Zealand focussed information
to help pregnant people have an empowered and positive birth *Views are my own and don't replace medical advice* Drug Free Epidurals Gas Opioids TENS Contact Further Resources