Medical Encyclopedia

Medical Encyclopedia

Epidural - series: Procedure, part 2

 Procedure, part 2

Epidural - series
Illustrations:

  • Procedure, part 1
  • Procedure, part 2
  • Procedure, part 3
  • Procedure, part 4
  • Procedure, part 5
  • Procedure, part 6
  • An epidural usually causes little discomfort and is administered while you are sitting up or lying on your side, with your back curved outward.

    After you receive the epidural, your caregiver will closely monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and your baby's heart rate.

    Update Date: 5/2/2008

    Updated by: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine; Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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