New infographics support informed pain relief choices in childbirth

Pregnant women and people will benefit from accessible, evidence-based information on the risks and side effects of epidurals and spinal anaesthesia, thanks to new patient resources launched today by the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA) and the Obstetric Anaesthetist Association (OAA).  

The infographics are available here for epidurals and spinal anaesthesia.

Recent reviews of maternity care, including the Ockenden and Kirkup reports, found that many people do not receive full information about pain relief options in childbirth. Without this, they cannot make informed decisions, which can lead to harm and distress when births don’t go as planned. 

These infographics aim to close that gap by helping people understand their options, ask the right questions and make confident, informed choices about pain relief in labour. They were produced in partnership with the Winton Centre for Risk and Evidence Communication and have been certified by the Patient Information Forum Trusted Information Creator Kitemark (PIF TICK).

Empowering informed choices  

Based on the latest available evidence, the infographics explain the risks associated with spinal and epidural anaesthetics in clear, accessible language. They are intended for use during pregnancy, giving people time to consider the information without pressure. Even those not planning an epidural or spinal may benefit, as circumstances in labour can change quickly. 

The infographics also address some common misconceptions, for example the latest evidence shows that:   

• Epidurals and spinal anaesthesia do not make babies drowsy or cause them long-term harm.
• Epidurals do not make the use of ventouse or forceps more likely or increase the likelihood of a caesarean birth.
• Epidurals and spinal anaesthesia do not cause backpain after childbirth 

Developed with patients and clinicians  

The infographics were produced and tested with patients, midwives, and anaesthetists:  

• 67% of surveyed midwives said the resources would improve the standard of patient education.
• 100% of surveyed patients said they would recommend them to someone considering epidural or spinal anaesthesia.  

Donna Ockenden, Chair of the Ockenden review, said: 

“I am delighted to endorse and support the new patient resources launched by the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA), and the Obstetric Anaesthetists Association (OAA).  

“These new resources are accessible and infographic based and designed to explain the benefits and risks of epidurals and spinal anaesthesia. To enable women to make informed decisions, they need and deserve to receive concise, evidence-based information about all aspects of their care, this should be provided from early pregnancy onwards. Assisted by these infographics, women will be able to use their voice to make decisions that are in their best interest, and feel right for them.” 

Dr Claire Shannon, President of the Royal College of Anaesthetists, said: 

“Pregnant people deserve clear, balanced and evidence-based information about the care they may receive in labour. These new infographics ensure that people are better supported to understand the risks and benefits of epidurals and spinal anaesthetics, enabling them to make informed choices about their care. By sharing these resources early in pregnancy, we can help people feel more prepared, confident and empowered if circumstances change during labour.”