How quickly will the numbness wear off? i've seen a lot of births, and some of their epidurals wore off immediately some didn't, what is the average amount of time?

The : The duration of the medications given via an epidural catheter (tube) varies depending on the exact local anesthetic that is being infused, the concentration of it, and the dose. Generally, it takes from 1-2 hours for the effects to resolve after the infusion is stopped depending on how densely 'blocked' the patient was. As a patient receiving an epidural infusion, you should expect that the more numb your legs feel when you deliver and the infusion pump is turned off, the longer it will take to resolve. Regardless of the exact time, it is important that you ask for help prior to walking for the first time after you deliver. The muscle weakness that accompanies epidural pain relief can be significant, and better to take it easy rather than suffer a fall.

Variable: In general, the longer a laboring epidural has been in place and working, the longer it will take to "wear off." the body metabolizes the anesthetics used at variable rates based not only on duration, but also on factors related to drug type and medical conditions. Most sensation returns within a few hours.

It depends : On the meds used and density of the block at the time it is stopped. Expect a couple of hours.