Epidural for Childbirth: What to Expect at Home
Your Recovery
Spinal and epidural pain relief options partly or fully numb your belly and lower body. The numbness and muscle weakness in your legs will probably wear off within 2 hours after the epidural medicine is stopped. If you had a spinal, it will also take a couple hours for the medicine to wear off. After the medicine wears off, you may have some cramping and vaginal pain from childbirth. You may have a small bruise and some soreness where the spinal or epidural was put in your back. This will probably get better in 1 or 2 days.
In rare cases, you may get a headache when you sit or stand. This can last for several days. If you get a headache after a spinal or epidural, call your doctor. The headache can be treated.
This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible.
How can you care for yourself at home?
- By the time you go home, the effects of the epidural will be gone. If you have any problems, call your doctor or nurse advice line.
- Follow any instructions your doctor gave you about how to care for yourself after your delivery. Call your doctor or nurse advice line if you have questions about post-delivery care.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
When should you call for help?
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have a fever.
- You have a new or worse headache.
- You have a stiff neck.
- You have tingling, weakness, or numbness in your legs.
- You have trouble urinating or can pass only very small amounts of urine.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
- You do not get better as expected.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
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Current as of: June 24, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
