An epidural also helps relax the pelvic floor muscles for pushing which can also enhance the speed and effectiveness of labor. The additional monitoring and precautions required with an Epidural will increase your hospital bill slightly. You will also receive a separate bill for the anesthesiologist's services in addition to the hospital charges for medications and equipment. The total cost depends on the length of time an epidural is used and the medications required. Check with your insurance company or health plan to know the amount of coverage you have for an epidural.
Epidural anesthesia is one of the modern scientific advances that a mother has available today.
It does involve some risks and extra procedures, but is currently the only method to give complete relief from pain and still remain awake. The final decision is yours. We hope this brochure has helped answer your questions. If not, take this brochure and the questions you wrote down and discuss them with your OB care giver at your next visit. If needed, a consultation with an anesthesiologist can be arranged toward the end of your pregnancy.