Epidurals for Labor and Delivery
By PJ McGuire, MD, MMScMedEd
Obstetric anesthesiologist
Thinking about an epidural? Learn how it works, what placement feels like, when you can request one, and what to expect during labor and delivery.
What would you like to know?
How does a labor epidural work? →
What does epidural placement feel like? →
Will an epidural affect my baby? →
What if my epidural doesn’t work perfectly? →
Featured in Yale Medicine
Epidurals During Childbirth: What Women Should Know
Dr. McGuire answered common questions about labor epidurals for Yale Medicine.
Ten Things I Want You to Know Before Labor
From when to ask for an epidural to what happens if it doesn’t work perfectly, here are the things I wish every expectant parent knew before arriving at the hospital.