Who can have an epidural?

Epidurals are especially useful when pain has not been adequately relieved by other methods such as TENS, Entonox and Pethidine. They may also be recommended by your obstetrician when a forceps or caesarean delivery is thought likely; when contractions are not co-ordinated, to relax the mother and help labour progress; to lower high blood pressure; for premature babies, twins or breech births; and for some mothers with heart, lung, or other medical disorders.

There is no absolute time when it is too early or too late to have an epidural, but each labour must be assessed on an individual basis.

Certain medical conditions may mean an epidural is not suitable for you. These include, but are not limited to, spina bifida, abnormalities with blood clotting, severe pre-eclampsia, and previous back surgery. If you have any questions about your condition you should ask your midwife or obstetrician. They may also refer you to an anaesthetist for further discussion of your options.

If you are overweight, an epidural may be more difficult and may take longer to put in place. However, once it is in and working you will have all the benefits.