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All About Women

A patient-centered practice for all stages of a woman's life

Gainesville, FL (352) 331-3332
6440 W Newberry Rd, Ste 111

Lake City, FL (386) 754-1744
4447 NW American Ln, Ste 102

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Blog / Pregnancy & Prenatal Care / What is an Epidural and How Is It Actually Done?

What is an Epidural and How Is It Actually Done?

May 3, 2018 By Liliana Zapien

understanding how an epidural is given

Over 60% of laboring women  use an epidural, making it the most popular pain management choice out there.

So what is it, exactly?

An epidural is a type of regional anesthesia that provides pain relief in a particular part of the body. It works by blocking nerve impulses from the spine to the lower half of your body.

An experienced anesthesiologist has to insert your epidural. But before that happens, you’re given IV fluids to keep you hydrated through labor.

How is an epidural actually done?

Typically, the anesthesiologist will wipe your lower back with an antiseptic to lower the chances of infection. Then, they will numb the area near the epidural site with a local anesthetic. In order to insert the epidural, they’ll ask you to arch your back while laying on your side. Positioning is very important for overall effectiveness and to avoid unintended complications.

The next step is to insert a needle into a precise place in the lower section of your spinal cord, followed by a small tube. The needle is then removed, but the tube (or catheter) remains. The tube allows for the medication to feed into your body and provide continual relief. Some epidurals are patient-controlled, where you get to decide the timing and flow of the medication; whereas others are continuous.

Timing is very important with epidurals; they can’t be given until you’re in active labor (at least 4 centimeters dilated). They also can’t be given too late because epidurals take time to put in and about 20 minutes to take effect. Obstetricians have varying opinions on the best timing, so talk to your doctor about your preferences.

If you’d like to read more about epidurals and other pain management options, read this related article in our Knowledge Center.

Our OB/GYNs and staff at All About Women are here to answer your questions. If you have any questions or concerns about epidurals or other pregnancy issues, please contact us to set up an appointment.

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Filed Under: Pregnancy & Prenatal Care Tagged With: c-section, delivery, labor

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Being a patient-centered practice goes well beyond seeing patients in our office. We want to help you find important answers before you even step in the door. Our OB/GYN blog helps us accomplish this goal but more importantly, helps women like you better understand your unique health needs. Browse around and learn more about pregnancy, general women’s health, exciting new research and more!

Contact Us With Any Questions

All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology – Gainesville

Gainesville
6440 W Newberry Rd, Ste 111
Gainesville, FL 32605
(352) 331-3332


All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology – Lake Cit

Lake City
4447 NW American Ln, Ste 102
Lake City, FL 32055
(386) 754-1744


 

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Gainesville and Lake City OB/GYN Care
OB/GYN doctors at All About Women, Obstetrics & Gynecology offer personalized, technologically advanced obstetrics and gynecology services from Board Certified OB/GYB physicians. Besides expert women's healthcare, permanent birth control and prenatal care, OB/GYN doctors also offers advanced hysterectomy surgery in and around the Gainesville area.


Women's Health Care in Alachua & Columbia Counties
With offices in Gainesville and Lake City, Florida, All About Women, M.D. provides expert OB/GYN services covering the entire range of women's healthcare needs. Our OB/GYN physicians and nurse midwives provide expert care during pregnancy as well as state of the art in-office treatments for gynecologic disorders including Novasure endometrial ablation to treat/stop heavy menstrual bleeding.


Personalized & Expert Prenatal Care
Gainesville obstetricians at All About Women, M.D. help ensure pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible by offering the best prenatal care available. And for those having difficulty getting pregnant, AAW obstetricians and gynecologists offer couples the best infertility help and treatment available.


Advanced Minimally Invasive Surgery: daVinci Surgical System
Clinic founder Dr. Anthony Agrios, Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist also specializes in the daVinci Robotic surgery system, a minimally invasive option commonly used for a hysterectomy and other procedures. Instead of creating several small incisions like traditional surgical methods, OB/GYN surgeons simply open one incision with the daVinci system to complete the procedure. Not only do patients experience less pain and blood loss, they recover and get back to normal much faster.


Pregnancy & Prenatal Care: Creative Pregnancy Announcement : Fruits for Pregnant Women

OB/GYN Tips: Choosing an OB/GYN : Robotic Hysterectomy

Infertility & Reproduction Health: Infertility Treatment : Permanent Birth Control

Women's Health: Preventive Care : Well Women Care : Mammogram Screenings : Abnormal Periods

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All About Women
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