MODEL RELEASED. Epidural anaesthesia. Anaesthetist locating the site of an epidural anaesthetic for a pregnant woman in labour. The anaesthetic will be injected into the epidural space, which is found around the membranes surrounding the spinal cord. This numbs the chest and the lower half of the body, relieving the pain of childbirth. Typically a catheter is introduced into this space to allow further doses of anaesthetic to be given. Rubber gloves help to maintain a sterile environment.