Questions
How Long Does Pushing Last With an Epidural? What to Expect
With an epidural, pushing typically lasts 1–2 hours for first-time moms and 30 minutes to 1 hour for experienced moms. The epidural can lengthen the pushing phase, but it doesn't affect your baby's health. Your care team will guide you through effective pushing techniques.
Does an Epidural Make Pushing Longer?
Yes, an epidural can make the pushing stage longer, but the difference is usually manageable. Research, including a Cochrane Review on epidural and second stage, shows that epidurals may prolong pushing by about 15–30 minutes on average. This happens because the epidural reduces sensation in the lower half of your body, making it harder to feel the urge to push and to coordinate your muscles effectively.
| Factor | With Epidural | Without Epidural |
|---|---|---|
| Average pushing time (first-time moms) | 1–2 hours | 30 minutes–1 hour |
| Average pushing time (experienced moms) | 30 minutes–1 hour | 15–30 minutes |
| Sensation of urge to push | Reduced or absent | Strong, natural urge |
| Need for guidance | High – nurse/midwife directs pushing | Less – instinctive pushing |
| Risk of instrumental delivery | Slightly increased | Lower |
Remember, every birth is unique. Your midwife will monitor your progress and adjust guidance to keep you and your baby safe. The extra time is often worth the comfort an epidural provides.
Average Pushing Time With an Epidural: First-Time vs. Experienced Moms
Pushing time varies widely, but here are typical ranges based on whether you've given birth before. These numbers are general guidelines; your individual experience may differ.
| Parity | Average Pushing Time with Epidural | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| First-time mom | 1–2 hours | 30 minutes to 3 hours |
| Experienced mom (second+ baby) | 30 minutes–1 hour | 10 minutes to 2 hours |
First-time moms often need more time because the pelvic floor muscles are less conditioned, and the baby's head must mold to the birth canal. Experienced moms have already stretched those tissues, so pushing is often quicker. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends allowing up to 2 hours of pushing for first-time moms and 1 hour for experienced moms, though these limits can be extended if you and your baby are doing well.
Why Does Pushing Take Longer With an Epidural?
An epidural works by numbing the nerves that carry sensation from your uterus and birth canal to your brain. That means you lose the intense, involuntary urge to push that many women feel without one. Instead, you have to push on cue, which can be less efficient.
Additionally, the epidural can weaken the abdominal muscles you use to bear down. You might feel like you're pushing but not making as much progress. Your midwife or nurse will help you find positions and techniques that work with the reduced sensation.
It's also worth noting that epidurals can slow the second stage of labor by relaxing the pelvic floor, making it harder for the baby to rotate and descend. But with patience and guidance, most women push successfully with an epidural.
How to Shorten Pushing Time With an Epidural: Tips From a Midwife
- Change positions – Try side-lying, squatting with support, or hands-and-knees to help gravity and open your pelvis.
- Use a mirror – Watching your baby's head emerge can give you visual feedback and motivate effective pushing.
- Follow your care team's cues – They'll tell you when to push and for how long, optimizing each contraction.
- Ask for a peanut ball – Placed between your legs, it can help open your pelvis and encourage rotation.
- Stay hydrated and rested – Between contractions, relax completely to conserve energy for pushing.
Remember, every labor is different. These tips can help, but your body and baby will set the pace.
Directions to our midwife near me from Janss Marketplace
Start at Janss Marketplace and head to The Midwife and More at 5115 Clareton Drive, suite #100, Agoura Hills, CA 91301.
Talk to a Midwife About Epidurals and Pushing in Agoura Hills
If you're expecting and want personalized guidance on pain management and pushing, our team at The Midwife and More is here for you. We serve families in Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Camarillo, Fillmore, Calabasas, and nearby communities.
- Call us – Reach us at 877-537-3240, Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM, or after hours by appointment.
- Book online – Use our online scheduling to find a time that works for you.
- Visit our clinic – We're at 5115 Clareton Drive, Suite #100, Agoura Hills, CA 91301. We'll discuss your birth preferences and answer all your questions.
We're here to support you every step of the way.
For details on services and visits, see the main page about midwife near me.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Can an epidural cause long-term back pain?
Epidurals are generally safe, and serious complications are rare. Some women experience temporary soreness at the injection site, but long-term back pain is not directly caused by the epidural itself. If you have concerns, discuss them with your anesthesiologist or midwife.
Will an epidural affect my baby?
Epidurals are considered safe for babies. The medication crosses the placenta in small amounts, but it typically doesn't affect the baby's heart rate or breathing. Your care team will monitor your baby throughout labor to ensure everything is fine.
Can I walk after getting an epidural?
Most epidurals cause significant numbness in your legs, so walking is not possible. However, some hospitals offer 'walking epidurals' with lower doses that may allow limited movement. Ask your provider about options available at your birth location.
Also asked as
- Does an epidural prolong the pushing stage?
- How long do you push with an epidural?
- What is the average pushing time with an epidural?