Whether you are a first time mother or a mother of many, the pain of childbirth can make any woman anxious beforehand. As each woman prepares for the day her child arrives, she should carefully consider how she wants to manage her pain during delivery. In fact, since complications can arise, every woman should be familiar with options for pain medication in case it becomes necessary. Here is an overview of pain treatment options during childbirth.

Narcotics. To reduce pain without an epidural or spinal block, injected narcotics may be used. These are administered either with an injection or through an IV to decrease pain without causing muscle weakness for 2 – 6 hours. These can make the mother sleepy and may depress respiration too.

Epidural Blocks. This local analgesic is injected into the lower back around the area that contains spinal fluid. It can reduce most labor pain without slowing contractions or affecting the mother’s alertness and can be given continuously throughout labor. However, it can affect one side more than the other and does have some more serious side effects for some mothers.

Spinal Blocks. Used more commonly for C-Sections, this block is injected similarly to the epidural and will provide total pain relief from the chest down. However, unlike the epidural which can be continuously administered, the spinal block lasts only 2 hours.

Anesthetics. Local anesthetic blocks pain in a small, localized area while the mother remains awake and alert. These are often used if incisions or stitches are needed during a vaginal delivery. General anesthetic causes the mother to lose consciousness. This is only used if it is the best option for the health of the mother and the baby.

Drug-free Methods. Many women prefer to deliver their babies without any pain medication if possible. They may opt to use massage, warm baths or walking to try and relieve or reduce pain during labor. Other non-traditional methods of pain relief include reflexology, hypnosis, or acupuncture.

Would you like more information about preparing for your baby’s arrival? You can register for any one of the Plantation Hospital maternity classes by calling 1-888-256-7724 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Also, please visit our website to learn more about our women’s maternity services.

Sources:

Coping with Labor Pain (March of Dimes)

Pain Medication: An Overview (Babycenter)

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