Health encyclopaedia

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Epidural anaesthesia

Epidural anaesthesia is a type of anaesthetic. It does not make you unconscious, but it stops any sensation in the lower body. This means you don’t have any feeling in your abdomen (stomach), pelvis and legs.

Epidural anaesthetic is a popular method of pain relief during labour and childbirth because you stay conscious throughout. The epidural is usually given once labour has started, before the entrance to the womb starts to dilate (get wider).

Epidural anaesthetic is also useful for operations on the abdomen and lower body, such as hip and knee replacements.

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