Epidurals are the most commonly used form of pain relief during labor in the United States.1 While many women choose them because they can provide significant pain relief, it’s also important to understand the possible side effects and risks.
Most women who receive an epidural do not experience serious complications. However, like any medical procedure, epidurals can cause side effects ranging from temporary discomfort to rare but more significant complications.2
Understanding these potential side effects can help you make an informed decision about your labor and delivery experience.2
Key Takeaways
- Most epidural side effects are temporary and uncommon.
- Headaches, back soreness, and temporary numbness are among the more commonly discussed side effects.
- Serious complications such as permanent nerve damage are extremely rare.
- Epidurals remain a low-risk option for labor pain relief.
- Understanding potential side effects can help you make an informed birth decision.
Related: Epidural During Labor: Benefits, Risks, and What to Expect
Common Side Effects of an Epidural
Most women who experience side effects from an epidural have temporary symptoms that improve on their own or resolve with treatment. While these side effects can be uncomfortable, serious complications are uncommon.
Severe Headaches (Wet Tap)
A dural puncture occurs in only 0.5% of injections.7 It may cause a post-dural puncture headache (or spinal headache) that usually improves within a few days, though it can last for weeks or even several months.8
Back Pain
Back pain may occasionally occur if many attempts are required to insert an epidural. The resulting tissue irritation can cause pain around the insertion site for a few days.2,4
Related: 10 Epidural Myths and Facts: What You Should Know
Rare Complications of an Epidural
Serious complications from epidurals are rare, but they can occur. Understanding these risks can help you make an informed decision while keeping their likelihood in perspective.
Infection
According to the NHS, an infection can potentially develop around the skin next to the epidural site, but it usually doesn’t spread. Antibiotics would be administered, or (in more severe cases) you may have emergency surgery.6
Temporary Nerve Damage
While extremely rare, nerve damage can occur from direct trauma from the needle, the epidural tube, or an infection or bleeding. This can cause loss of feeling or movement in parts of the lower body. The most common symptoms are numbness, tingling, or weakness around the injection site that persists after an epidural has worn off. This usually gets better after a few days or weeks, but can sometimes take months.2,5,6
Permanent Nerve Damage
In rare cases, an epidural can lead to permanent loss of feeling or movement in one or both legs. Some cases of paralysis have occurred. But again, this is extremely rare.2,6
Related: When To Get an Epidural During Labor
The Bottom Line
Overall, epidurals are considered a low-risk, nonsurgical option for labor pain relief.2 You may be considering an epidural for your labor and birth, or simply researching your options. Either way, we want everyone to know there’s no “right” way to have a baby.
Whether you choose to have a medicated or unmedicated labor and birth, as long as you’ve done your research and it’s what you prefer, do what you feel is best for you and your baby. That’s what we call an empowered birth!
