By allowing the mother to rest without pain, the epidural removes her anxiety and her labor progress may improve. If not, Pitocin may be administered painlessly. Since epidurals often lower blood pressure, this may benefit some women with pregnancy induced hypertension. Epidurals are also useful for caesarean births, making it possible for the mother to remain alert and involved while free from pain. They enable her to avoid general anesthesia, which is considered to carry greater risks.
Epidural narcotics reduce pain without reducing other sensations or muscle function.
Women can change positions more easily than with anesthetics. For those women who wish to remain aware of their labors, epidural narcotics are often quite acceptable. Potential Risks Epidural blocks carry some risks to the mother, fetus and newborn. Undesired effects tend to be greater with larger doses of medication, a longer interval during which the medication is in effect and immaturity or distress in the fetus. This effect may be dose-related.