When is each type of epidural used?

Epidural anesthesia is administered during labor so that the woman feels less pain, but is conscious during this time. This type of anesthesia can be ambulatory, if its purpose is to reduce pain.

There is also the possibility of using a spinal epidural when labor is very active or a cesarean section is to be performed. In this case, the anesthesia is introduced directly into the cerebrospinal fluid.