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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.
Review Date 4/30/2025
Updated by: Mark Gjolaj, MD, MBA, Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine Specialist, The Permanente Medical Group and Clinical Assistant Professor Adjunct, Stanford Health Care, Stanford, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
