MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia:Epidural - series: Procedure, part 6

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Epidural - series: Procedure, part 6

Epidural - series
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Procedure, part 6

The major benefit of having an epidural is that you can remain awake, alert, and almost totally pain-free while actively participating in your baby's birth. You can also relax and conserve your energy during a long labor. To lower the odds of side effects for you and your baby, your doctor will likely give you the lowest effective dose.

Update Date: 6/6/2006

Updated by: Audra Robertson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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