Timing of epidural doesn't matter, review says

According to a new Cochrane review (a study that has reviewed many other studies to draw conclusions), whether a woman gets an epidural early in labor or late in labor makes no difference on her chance of needing a C-section, the need for the use of forceps/vacuum, or any negative effects on the baby. This is good news, since the traditional belief is that getting an epidural too early may slow the process down and some women have felt that they were denied an epidural when they asked (and this study essentially says the right time to get an epidural is when the woman wants it!). However, keep in mind that a woman can be 5 centimeters dilated and not actually be in labor – so your doctor or midwife will need to assess if you are really in labor first before calling that anesthesiologist!
http://nyti.ms/1w5xvzg