Using Epidural Anesthesia During Labor

There are different ways to manage pain during labor. One method is a local anesthetic called epidural anesthesia. This method is often patient controlled. When relief is needed, the woman presses a button. 
 
This delivers anesthesia into the epidural space, which is between the bony spinal canal and tough outer covering of the spinal cord. Sometimes the woman can also move around - a so-called ``walking epidural.'' 
 
Another option called a spinal epidural delivers a spinal block and epidural in a single injection; this option can be used far along in labor.