Labor pain: Weigh your options for pain relief

How you choose to manage labor pain is up to you. You may have more options than you think.

Labor is a natural — although challenging — process. No two women have the same perception of labor pain, and no two labors are exactly alike. Ultimately, you need to choose what's right for you.

The best approach depends on your preferences and on how your labor progresses. Sometimes, you won't know what kind of pain relief you want until you're in labor. But it's a good idea to think about your options for managing labor pain ahead of time. Find out what's available at your hospital or birthing center, and discuss your preferences with your health care provider.

Consider the options

There are many ways to relax and stay in control of labor pain. Relaxation exercises, breathing techniques and frequent changes of position often help — particularly in the early stages of labor. Your partner can massage or firmly press on your lower back, or apply ice packs or heat to your lower back. Other options include warm showers, soothing music and dim lighting.

As labor progresses — and contractions become stronger and more frequent — many women add medication to their arsenal of pain relief options. Narcotic analgesics decrease the perception of pain and make it easier to rest. Epidural and spinal blocks temporarily block pain in the lower body or alter your perception of the pain.

Nontraditional options for managing labor pain may include hypnosis, acupuncture or reflexology. None of these techniques stops the pain of contractions, but they may help you feel more relaxed and better able to handle labor pain.

Understand the pros and cons

Each pain management option has pros and cons. Relaxation and breathing techniques can help you feel a better sense of control, but they don't dull the pain. Medication can make contractions less painful, but you may experience side effects — such as drowsiness, nausea or slowed labor. With some medications, you may be restricted to bed or to a specific position, and your bladder may need to be emptied by a catheter. Medication can affect your baby, too. If given shortly before birth, your baby may be drowsy or need help breathing.

Expect the unexpected

Labor and delivery are unpredictable. Labor pain may be more intense than you expected, or it may hurt in a different way. Even if you have a plan for managing labor pain, you may decide to change it once labor begins. Or the specific characteristics of your labor may prompt your health care provider to suggest a pain relief option that wasn't in your original plan. Keep in mind that birth isn't a test of endurance. You won't have failed if you ask for pain relief.

One thing is certain: The more you learn about options for managing labor pain, the more prepared you'll be to handle labor — however it unfolds.

Things to consider before you choose

So what's the bottom line on managing labor pain? Think about what appeals to you most, and then ask your health care provider these questions:

What's involved in the method?
How will it affect me? Will I be able to walk and move? Or will I be confined to bed?
How will it affect my baby?
What are the possible side effects?
How quickly will it work if I decide to use it?
How long will the pain relief last?
Can I combine it with other methods of pain relief?
When during labor is the method available?
What if it doesn't work?

Remember, you're free to request pain relief at any point during labor and delivery. Trust your health care provider to help you make the best choices as your labor progresses.