This area is called the epidural space. The anesthetic is injected through the catheter, and more can be given later if you need it. This is a key difference between epidurals and spinals. With spinals, once the medication is injected, no more anesthesia can be given. Epidurals, which are used in vaginal as well as Caesarean deliveries, block the pain but not all sensation.
Women report feeling pressure during surgery, but can also push effectively in a vaginal delivery.
Your motor function, including the ability to walk, will return more quickly than with a spinal. Headaches are uncommon, but many anesthesiologists add a small amount of a narcotic to the anesthetic drug in epidurals to get a better effect with less medication. In those women, about 1 in 7 will feel itching because of the narcotics. Narcan can be given to counteract the itching. New Options Anesthetic techniques have continued to improve over time.