The purpose of this study is to determine if a lateral positioning of the pregnant woman after epidural analgesia increases the incidence of unilateral functioning epidurals.

Pregnant women requesting epidural analgesia will be randomized to either left lateral or semi-recumbent position for 30 minutes after the first epidural bolus-injection.

After 30 minutes, the clinical effect of the analgesia will be evaluated by an anesthesiologist if available or by a midwife if the anesthesiologist is unavailable. The study-period is concluded thereafter and further positioning is optional.

Maternal and fetal wellbeing are continuously being monitored during the study period and complications/interventions registered. APGAR and CTG results during the intervention will be registered and evaluated at a later stage.

Inclusion Criteria:

• all adult pregnant women recieiving epidural analgesia

Exclusion Criteria:

• participation refused
• inability to understand study purpose/instructions
• study postition could not be maintained for 30 min
• ineffective epidural