An epidural is the anesthesia used to eliminate the pain of labor. In a vaginal delivery it is optional. On the contrary, cesarean delivery always requires anesthesia and epidural anesthesia is generally used, although there are cases of delivery with general anesthesia.
Epidural anesthesia is placed in the epidural area, between the L3 and L4 vertebrae, blocking the nerves of the spinal cord.
Read the full article on: Childbirth: preparation, types and possible complications ( 47).
By Andrea Rodrigo B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist), Blanca Paraíso M.D., Ph.D., M.Sc. (gynecologist), Marta Barranquero Gómez B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist), Óscar Oviedo Moreno M.D. (gynecologist) and Cristina Algarra Goosman B.Sc., M.Sc. (psychologist).
Last Update: 08/25/2023
