The Truth About Epidurals

In this episode of Fit as a Fiddle, Dr. Sneha Gazi sits down with Dr. Tiffany Lin, a board-certified anesthesiologist and pain medicine specialist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, for an approachable, evidence-informed conversation about labor epidurals. Dr. Lin explains what an epidural actually is, how it works on the nerves that carry pain, sensation, and movement, and why modern epidural techniques look very different from the “completely numb and stuck in bed” version many people still picture.Together, they explore how epidurals can be tailored throughout labor, including lower-dose options that may allow for repositioning in bed, patient-controlled dosing, and adjustments when someone wants more pain relief or more sensation and pressure for pushing. They also discuss what to expect with placement, common medication-related side effects, why a urinary catheter may be used, and the rare but important risks and reasons an epidural may not be appropriate for every patient. Dr. Lin also clears up persistent myths around timing, C-sections, prolonged labor, and paralysis.Most importantly, this episode makes space for every kind of birth preference. Whether you are planning an unmedicated birth, considering an epidural, scheduling a cesarean, or simply want to understand your options before labor begins, the goal is education, flexibility, and informed consent. Listen in to better understand the benefits, risks, alternatives, and questions to bring to your OB, midwife, and birth hospital as you create a plan that feels right for you.Click here and use your exclusive 20% listener discount (Code: Fit20) to enroll in Master Your Pelvic Floor, our signature self-paced course that will change the way you understand and care for your body.