Epidural anaesthesia

Reviewed by Dr Gordon F N Smith, consultant anaesthetist

Can all women have an epidural?

Epidural anaesthesia has been used for many years, and is a safe and reliable technique. You will receive full information so you can decide if want to go ahead with the procedure.

Complications such as meningitis can occur, but are extremely rare if adequate sterile precautions are used.

Some mothers-to-be fear the risk that permanent paralysis may occur, but this is an extremely uncommon occurrence.

There are certain complications where epidural anaesthesia cannot be given such as back problems, infections, a tendency to bleed and nervous system diseases.

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