Lin, in Labor with Her First Child, Is in a Great

Multiple Choice

Lin, in labor with her first child, is in a great deal of pain and has been experiencing strong contractions for nearly 12 hours with little progress toward birth. Although Lin was hoping for a natural birth, her doctor has urged her to use an epidural. Which of the following problems occurs most often following an epidural?

A) Newborns are at high risk for birth complications like cerebral palsy.
B) An epidural slows down the labor process.
C) An epidural speeds up the labor process.
D) The mother loses consciousness prior to delivery.