Pain Relief During Labor
Many women fear a painful labor. Childbirth preparation classes can teach couples techniques to relax and reduce pain. Breathing exercises and massages often relieve some discomfort.
A woman's preferences regarding use of medication will be considered, but no final decisions can be made until labor begins and a doctor can assess the situation. Some instances when medication is recommended include long labor, when pain or agitation interferes with a woman's ability to push, and when forceps are needed.
There are two general types of pain medications:
- Analgesics provide relief but may not stop all pain.
- Anesthesia provides total loss of sensation to either specific regions or may produce unconsciousness.
Systemic analgesics are administered as an injection and act on the whole nervous system. Serious side effects are uncommon, but it may slow the baby's reflexes at birth.
Pudendal block is an injection that blocks pain in the perineum, the area between the vagina and anus. It is useful before an episiotomy. It is very safe.
Paracervical block is an injection into the tissue around the cervix. It relieves pain from the dilation of the cervix and from uterine contractions, but wears off quickly. It may slow the baby's heart rate.
Epidural block causes loss of feeling in the lower half of the body. It is injected into the lower back and relieves pain from uterine contractions and pain in the vaginal area. Serious complications are rare, but it may slow the mother's blood pressure.
