Woman suffered during labour after epidural line dislodged

Monday 22 September 2025 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Mon 22 Sep 2025, 2:52pm

In this story Health and Disability Commissioner

A woman at Whanganui Hospital experienced a difficult labour in 2022 after her epidural line came out unnoticed for several hours. The lack of pain relief resulted in a large perineal tear and significant post-partum pain and bleeding.

How they headlined it

2:07pm2:52pm

1. Otago Daily TimesMon 22 Sep 2025, 2:07pm

   Woman gave birth with no pain relief as line dislodged (opens in new tab)

2. Stuff via RNZMon 22 Sep 2025, 2:14pm

   Woman gives birth with no pain relief as epidural line comes out (opens in new tab)

3. 1News via RNZMon 22 Sep 2025, 2:24pm

   Woman gives birth without pain relief as epidural comes out (opens in new tab)

4. RNZMon 22 Sep 2025, 2:52pm

   Woman loses pain relief for hours during birth as epidural line comes out (opens in new tab)