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
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 as labor progresses — 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 ask your health care provider these questions:
- What's involved in the method?
- How will it affect me? Will I be able to walk? Or will I be confined to bed?
- How will it affect my baby?
- What are the possible side effects?
- How quickly will it work?
- 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?
- Will I remember everything?
- Will I be able to breast-feed my baby after delivery?
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.
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- 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.
