Labor and delivery (11)
- Signs of labor: Know what to expect
- Episiotomy: Can you deliver a baby without one?
- Inducing labor: When to wait, when to induce
- see all in Labor and delivery
Postpartum care (7)
- Exercise after pregnancy: How to get started
- Maternity leave: Tips for returning to work
- Weight loss after pregnancy: Reclaiming your body
- see all in Postpartum care
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Labor pain: Weigh your options for relief
Labor pain on your mind? Understanding pain relief options can give you more control over the labor and delivery process.
By Mayo Clinic staffLabor is a natural — although challenging — process. No two women have the same degree of labor pain, and no two labors are exactly alike. Ultimately, you need to choose the pain relief option that's right for you.
The best approach to labor pain relief 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. Still, 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 ease and control labor pain. Relaxation exercises, breathing techniques and frequent changes of position often help — particularly in the early stages of labor. Your partner or labor coach can massage or firmly press on your lower back, or apply ice packs or heat to your lower back. Other options include playing music and taking a shower or bath.
As labor progresses — and contractions become stronger and more frequent — many women add medication to their arsenal of pain relief options. Epidural and spinal blocks, for instance, temporarily block pain in the lower body.
Nontraditional options for managing labor pain may include hypnosis, water immersion, 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 or nausea. 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. Some medications can affect your baby, too. If you're given narcotics shortly before birth, for instance, your newborn could experience temporary breathing problems or slowed reflexes.
Next page(1 of 2)
- Planning your childbirth: Pain relief during labor and delivery. American Society of Anesthesiologists. http://www.asahq.org/patientEducation/labordelivery.pdf. Accessed March 23, 2009.
- Narcotics for labor pain. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/240_12932.asp. Accessed March 23, 2009.
- Drug-free options for labor pain. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/240_12931.asp. Accessed March 23, 2009.
- Spinal block for labor pain. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/240_12933.asp. Accessed March 23, 2009.
- Epidural block. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/240_12935.asp. Accessed March 23, 2009.
- Coping with labor pain. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/240_12936.asp. Accessed March 23, 2009.
- Grant G. Neuraxial analgesia and anesthesia for labor and delivery: Drugs. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 13, 2009.
- Anesthesia options for labor and delivery: What every expectant mother should know. American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. Accessed April 13, 2009.
- Grant G. Adverse effects of neuraxial analgesia and anesthesia for obstetrics. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 14, 2009.
