Q & A: Early Epidural and
Cesarean Delivery

Q: If you receive an epidural early in labor will it increase your risk for a cesarean delivery?

A: Previously, studies linked the initiation of an epidural early in labor with an increased cesarean delivery rate. However, a study in the New England Journal of Medicine reports that receiving an epidural when the cervix is less than 4 centimeters dilated did not increase the cesarean delivery rate compared to those who received the epidural later when the cervix was dilated more than 4 centimeters. Women who received the epidural earlier also reported greater pain relief and quicker vaginal delivery times.

Talk to your doctor about these new findings and how they may affect your delivery options.