Labour Epidural
Patient Information & Consent
Purpose
You have requested an epidural for labour.
A fine plastic tube (catheter) is placed in your lower back to deliver local anaesthetic near the nerves carrying pain signals to the uterus.
Procedure
Approximately 15-30 minutes
The skin is cleaned and numbed. A needle is used to guide the small plastic tube into the epidural space, as pictured below.
Common and Expected Effects
- Pain relief (pressure may still be felt)
- Leg weakness or numbness
- Shivering
- Low blood pressure
- Need for a urinary catheter
- Sometimes slower progress of labour
Uncommon Risks
- Difficulty inserting (approx. 1 in 50)
- Headache (approx. 1 in 100)
- Back soreness or bruising
- Patchy effect, or need for reinsertion
Rare but Serious Risks
- Spinal injection causing temporary nerve effects
- Infection or bleeding near the spine
- Severe allergic reaction (approx. 1 in 1,000)
- Permanent nerve damage (extremely rare, approx. 1 in 10,000 - 100,000)
Alternatives
Other options include nitrous oxide ("gas"), opioids (fentanyl), or no medication.
You may withdraw consent at any time.
Financial Consent
Anaesthetist fees are separate from hospital and obstetric charges.
Expected gap: $150 - $450 (depends on your fund and time of insertion).
I agree to pay any costs not covered by my insurer or full fees if uninsured.
Declaration
I have read and understood the information above.
I have had the opportunity to ask questions and am satisfied with the answers.
I agree to pay any costs not covered by my insurer or full fees if uninsured.