Epidurals were first implemented in the early 1900's, but were not used for labour and birth until the 1940's. From this time until the 1960's they were used sporadically and did not gain wide popularity for pain relief in labour until the 1970's.
Up until the last 20 years or so, many epidurals were given via the sacral area (or near the woman's tailbone). These were known as 'Caudal Blocks'. Caudal blocks are rarely used these days as they require much higher doses of anaesthetic, tend to be technically more difficult to insert and hold the possible risk of accidentally inserting the needle (and the anaesthetic) into the baby's head. Epidurals today tend to be inserted into the lumbar (or lower back) area of the woman's spine.
The epidural catheter was first used in 1931. This was a fine, hollow tube that could be left in place after the needle was removed to give further medications. It was this discovery that saw the epidural as an attractive alternative to the use of
spinal anaesthesia.
The popularity of epidurals in the 1970's came about initially due the introduction of many other forms of childbirth technology, making obstetricians feel more comfortable with managing the side effects of the epidural if they eventuated. This led to epidurals being more frequently recommended by caregivers and eventually gaining popularity through women requesting them for pain relief.
Factors that led to the wider acceptance and use of the epidural included: