Know Your Options:
Pain Relief During Childbirth
Compiled by The Cradle Staff
f your baby is entering the world through a vaginal delivery and you’re not keen on feeling the pain, you can opt for pain relief. Or even if you intend to go drug free, it’s still a good idea to be informed of your options during labor since circumstances (and feelings) can change in an instant. Some deliveries are quick and relatively easy; some are long and exhausting — but unfortunately, you can’t predict your labor and delivery.
There are several styles of pain relief to choose from for childbirth, either used alone or in conjunction with each other.
NARCOTICS & TRANQUILIZERS
LOCAL ANESTHESIA
REGIONAL ANESTHESIA
GENERAL ANESTHESIA
NARCOTICS & TRANQUILIZERS
Both can be administered orally, through an IV or via an injection in your thigh (or rear).
Narcotics are sometimes chosen if you’d like to take the edge off of labor pain but still be physically active and mobile during labor. Options including Demerol or Stadol and can offer 2-6 hours of pain relief, usually during the early stages of labor.
Rarely, tranquilizers (such as Valium) are administered to help relieve anxiety or help you rest in the early stages of labor.
Pros:
Cons:
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Some side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and sedation.
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Could affect your baby, causing potential side effects like central nervous system depression or impaired early breastfeeding.
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Doesn’t completely alleviate labor pain.
LOCAL ANESTHESIA
Injection of a local anesthesia, like a pudendal block, is used to relieve pain in a specific area, such as the vagina and the perineum in the case of an assisted delivery i.e. forceps or vacuum extraction, a planned episiotomy or when stitching up a tear.
Pros:
Cons:
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Only lasts a limited amount of time.
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Won’t alleviate pain from contractions.
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Local anesthesia can cross the placenta into the baby’s bloodstream.
