Epidurals, a combination of local anesthetics, muscle relaxants (narcotics), and blood pressure-lowering medications in repeated doses can help manage intensity or pain during birth.

➜ Some common local anesthetics used in epidurals include lidocaine and bupivacaine, and some common opioids include fentanyl and sufentanil.

➜ Epidurals don’t always work and sometimes only provide some or no pain relief at all.

➜ Maintaining a peaceful, undisturbed birthing process and protecting yourself against the need of consequent interventions.

➜ Avoiding unknown and/or undesired side effects during and after childbirth.