Should I Get an Epidural for My Baby's Delivery?

Few decisions stir as much emotion and debate during pregnancy as whether to get an epidural for labor and delivery. For some parents, pain relief feels like a welcome relief in a long, unpredictable labor; for others, it raises questions about control, safety, and how medicated they want their birth to be. According to data, around 75% of women in the United States receive an epidural or spinal anesthesia during labor, showing just how common this choice has become. 

Because every birth is unique, consulting the best anesthesiologists in San Jose can help you weigh the benefits, risks, and personal factors that can shape your decision so you can feel informed and confident about what’s right for you and your baby. 

How do Epidurals Work?

An epidural works by blocking pain signals from traveling from the uterus and birth canal to the brain. To get an epidural, an anesthesiologist places a small, flexible tube called an epidural catheter into the epidural space, the layer in your lower back just outside the spinal cord. Through this catheter, a small amount of medication is delivered continuously to numb the nerves that carry pain from your uterus and birth canal. 

It usually takes about 10 to 20 minutes to start feeling relief, and the dosage can be adjusted throughout labor to keep you comfortable as labor progresses. An epidural aims to make labor more manageable without putting you or your baby to sleep, giving you the chance to stay alert and involved in the birth experience.

Epidural Myth vs. Fact

Epidurals are surrounded by plenty of myths, but the truth is often far more reassuring: 

• Fact: Nearly three in four moms in the U.S. choose an epidural for pain relief during labor, according to national birth data, and most report positive experiences. 
• Myth: Epidurals slow down labor. This common misconception has largely been disproven. In fact, studies show they don’t significantly delay overall labor progress or increase the risk of cesarean delivery. 
• Fact: Nine out of ten moms say their epidural was effective and helped facilitate a positive birthing experience. 
• Myth: Epidurals can harm your baby. Research shows that medication from an epidural rarely causes any lasting effects. Most newborns show no difference in alertness, breathing, or bonding compared to those born without an epidural.
• Fact: 60% of mothers who had an epidural said they would choose it again if they were to give birth in the future. 
• Myth: You can’t move or feel anything once you get an epidural. Modern epidurals are carefully adjusted so you can still feel pressure and participate in pushing. Many women can move or shift positions in bed with assistance, maintaining an active role in the birth process.

These facts paint a clear picture: for many families, epidurals offer a safe and satisfying way to manage pain while staying present for one of life’s most powerful moments.

Benefits of Getting an Epidural During Labor and Delivery

Epidural anesthesia is considered one of the most effective methods for managing labor pain because it targets the nerves that carry pain signals, rather than affecting your whole body. This means you can stay awake, alert, and fully present for your baby’s arrival, allowing you to participate, communicate, and remember the experience clearly. Many women also find that once their pain is controlled, their body relaxes, helping labor progress more smoothly by reducing tension and stress. 

Who is a Good Candidate for an Epidural

An epidural for labor is a good choice for many patients, but it’s not suitable for everyone in every situation. It may be an excellent option if you: 

• Want reliable pain relief for vaginal birth 
• Are experiencing long or intense labor
• Prefer to remain awake, alert, and comfortable while giving birth 

However, an epidural may not be recommended if you have:

• Bleeding disorders or very low platelet counts
• Unstable blood pressure or certain neurological conditions 
• An infection near the injection site 
• Severe spine problems, extensive scar tissue, or prior back surgery that complicate catheter placement 

The good news is that choosing an epidural isn’t an all-or-nothing decision. You can change your mind as labor unfolds. Discussing your options with your care team ahead of time ensures you feel informed, supported, and in control of your birth experience.

How to Decide if the Epidural is Right for You

Deciding whether pain medication is right for you starts with open, honest conversations and realistic expectations. It’s also helpful to create a flexible pain management plan, one that reflects your preferences for a natural or low-intervention birth but includes a trigger point, like a certain number of hours or level of exhaustion, when you might reconsider. 

Most importantly, stay open to change. Labor is unpredictable, and it’s perfectly okay to adjust your plan as things unfold. What matters most is making choices that support your comfort, safety, and emotional well-being throughout the experience.

Discover the Best Anesthesiologists in San Jose and Los Gatos

When it comes to something as personal and pivotal as childbirth, you want an anesthesia team that combines precision, empathy, and trust. With G2 Anesthesia, our board-certified anesthesiologists bring years of expertise and innovation to every delivery we support in San Jose and Los Gatos. We use advanced, evidence-based techniques to make labor epidurals as safe, comfortable, and effective as possible. Our approach helps mothers stay present, reduces complications, and promotes faster recovery after birth. 

As Silicon Valley’s largest private anesthesia practice, we take pride in maintaining the highest safety record in the region while providing care that feels deeply human. From the moment you meet our team, you’ll sense our commitment to calm communication, clinical excellence, and supporting your birth experience with confidence and compassion.

Ready to get expert obstetric anesthesia from the best anesthesiologists in San Jose?