Pain Relief Options for Childbirth

Many women think that epidural anesthesia is the only form of pain relief offered for childbirth. That is not the case, and though you should talk with your obstetrician about what method would be best for you personally, and here I will outline the more popular forms of pain relief during labor.

Epidural Anesthesia

This is the most popular form of pain relief with 50% of women opting for this method of pain relief. This form of anesthesia is administered directly into the epidural space above the spinal cord intravenously through a catheter. It is administered multiple times using a small amount of anesthesia every time this procedure numbs your body from the waist down and is effective within half an hour and lasts a few hours post-birth.

Spinal Anesthesia

This form of anesthesia uses a smaller needle than with an epidural, but it is placed in the same location in the lower back. Instead of being administered into the epidural sack the anesthesia is injected directly into the spinal fluid so that the onset of numbness is immediate. Spinal needles drastically decrease the risk of severe headache follow administration of anesthesia.

Combined Epidural Block/Walking Epidural

This procedure uses both spinal and epidural techniques that provide pain relief during labor almost instantaneously. Medication is administered through an epidural catheter and once the block is in place less numbness occurs than with a regular epidural. Many women are able to still walk around after medication had been administered which is why the procedure is more commonly known as the "walking epidural.

Local Anesthesia

This form of anesthesia is injected into the vaginal and rectal areas at the time of delivery, usually by your obstetrician. Local anesthetics provide a numbness or total loss of sensation to a small area. This technique lessens the pain of delivery, but it does not lessen the pain of your contractions.

Intrathecal Anesthesia

This procedure is administered the same as the spinal and epidural anesthesia, through the epidural sack. The difference is that instead of receiving a continuous flow of medication it is administered in a single dose. The procedure gives less of a numbing sensation so that it allows the women to feel contractions easier to assist in the delivery of the baby easier.

Shot or I.V. 

This is the least natural option for pain relief during labor and childbirth. These drugs are injected into a muscle or vein to dull the pain. These medications affect your baby more than epidural anesthesias do, and have higher risks associated with them. This medication will make both you and your child sleepy through the procedure and are prescribed by your obstetrician. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Epidural Anesthesia

Epidural anesthesia is the single most popular form of pain relief used during labor and is utilized by more than 50% of woman. The procedure uses multiple doses of local anesthetic administered directly into the epidural space that surrounds the spinal cord to relieve the pain of child birth. There are benefits and disadvantages to this form of pain relief. So, here is a list of frequently asked questions about epidural anesthesia:

 What should an epidural NOT be used?

An epidural should not be administered if you have a low platelet count, use blood thinners, have a blood infection, or are hemorrhaging. An epidural won't be administered before you are 4cm dilated, or if the labor is moving too fast.

 Does an epidural hurt?

The position you have to be in may be uncomfortable, although you don't have to be in it for long. Some women experience some discomfort during the administration of the anesthesia, usually there's a feeling pressure as the catheter is being placed.

 What are the side effect of epidural anesthesia?

The most common side effects observed are  nausea, shivering, ringing in the ears, backache or soreness at injection site, or difficulty urinating.

 How does an epidural affect my labor?

An epidural can cause your labor to slow down, or stop altogether, and may make contractions weaker. If this happens Pitocin may be administered to help speed your labor back up.

 What are the advantages of an epidural?

• in cesarean sections the use of an epidural is safer than that of general anesthesia.
• provides great pain relief while the mother remains alert.
• very little of the medication reaches your baby.
• allows rest during prolonged labor.

 What are some disadvantages of an epidural? 

• decreased ability and urge to push.
• makes you unable to walk or stand while drug is in effect.
• may cause your blood pressure to drop suddenly.
• frequently requires the use of a urinary catheter.

 What are the risks to the baby?

Very little of this anesthesia reaches the baby, but some risks-though rare-develop. Including, respiratory depression, short-term irritability, and increased chances of fetal distress.

 What are the risks to me?

The risks associated to the mother include fever and a drop in blood pressure. Also, some women experience a severe headache postbirth or long term backaches.

 Are there other forms of pain relief offered for labor?

Yes, some pain relief options include analgesia, spinal anesthesia, IV or shot, etc. All forms of pain relief during labor offer advantages and risks to both mother and child, so check with your doctor to see what method is best for you.