Epidural Injections & Back Tattoos: What You Need to Know

Question
Hi Helen,

I was wondering about the situation about not being able to have an epidural with a lower back tattoo. Where in the spine do they put the epidural? I have a small lower back tattoo of a cat's paw print. Its around my L2- L4, but there is a space between the toes and the paw pad. What do you think?

Thanx!

Answer
I haven't heard of women with lower back tattoos having problems getting epidurals. I've read many things about them and having a back tattoo has never been a problem. In addition, the epidural needle goes straight through the skin and into the spinal column itself. The only issue I could imagine is, if inserted improperly, it could possibly leave a scar that would make the tattoo look slightly different. But the tattoo itself would not prevent an epidural.

This series of photos may help you get a better visual on where they place it if you're concerned. It shows a routine epidural injection during childbirth. You can see where they place the needle and how they do it:
http://www.pattiramos.com/epiduralprocedure.html

Please let me know if I can help you further or with anything else.

Best wishes,
Helen =)