Risks of Epidural anaesthesia

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No anaesthetic is without risk, but serious complications are rare.

Bleeding. There are many blood vessels around the spinal cord and occasionally one is pricked as the epidural needle goes in. If this happens, you need to stay in hospital for observation.
Infection. This is uncommon because the needle is sterile, and the skin is cleaned before the injection is given. However, if there is an infection, the infected area needs to be drained and antibiotics may be necessary.
Longer-term numbness. Some people have patches of numbness that can last for up to three months. Paralysis (complete loss of sensation and movement) is very rare.