“What are the side effects of epidural anesthesia?”

Epidural anesthesia is very safe and effective for labor analgesia, cesarean delivery, and a host of other surgical procedures in the abdomen or lower extremities. There is a small, but finite risk of post-dural puncture headache, but his risk is usually less than 1%. Hypotension may occur if IV fluid administration is not robust; however, close BP monitoring and treatments avoid all serious sequelae.

The most common side effect is minor transient tenderness at the site of placement. Some more serious complications are exceedingly rare and can include more persistent pain.