Leg Elevation to Prevent Hypotension During Labor

When hypotension is related to epidural placement, this can occur within 15-60 minutes after placement. The purpose of this study is to build upon this preliminary work and to use a randomized controlled trial to examine the effectiveness of leg elevation in preventing hypotension among a larger sample of laboring women who receive an epidural analgesia. This study will use a randomized, non-blinded, controlled design with two arms:Arm 1: Patient will be put in a left tilt position with her hip on a wedge and both legs elevated on a peanut ball. She'll remain in this position for approximately 40 minutes.Arm 2: Patient will be put in a left tilt position with her hip on a wedge and no leg elevation. She'll remain in this position for approximately 40 minutes.

Inclusion Criteria:Laboring at Good Samaritan Hospital Labor & Delivery Unit37+ weeks gestationPlanned vaginal deliveryPlanned epidural analgesiaExclusion Criteria:Under 18 years oldDoes not speak EnglishUnable to consent to involvement in the research studyAttended less than 3 prenatal care office visitsDiagnosed with fetal demiseDiagnosed with fetal anomaliesContraindications to both legs being elevated (ex: fractured bones, lower limb amputation, etc.)Contraindications to receiving 1L of IV fluidsRequiring IV hypertensive medicationsRequiring IV magnesium