A guide to all of the options for pain relief during labor available to you. Allowing you to make an informed decision when writing your birth plan.
How Are You Going To Deal With Labor Pains?
During your pregnancy you will probably think a lot about labor and childbirth and what you are going to do to ease painful contractions.
There is a lot to think about. There are many medical options for pain relief during labor and there is also the option of going drug free.
There are a few things to consider when choosing the best pain relief option for you. Do you have a high tolerance to pain? Are you scared of needles? How tired are you going be when labor arrives?
You may have a birth plan stating your pain relief needs but you need to remember that it is not set in stone. Your labor may change as it progresses and you don’t know exactly how you are going to feel when the time comes.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
As labor is different for everyone the best thing to do is to be aware of all of your options and discuss these with your health care provider. Then if things don’t go according to plan you know there is another route you can take and be able to have the best experience possible.
Before we begin, if you are really struggling with preparing for labor, don’t know what to expect, and have a lot of questions then this free prenatal class will ease your fears.
Hilary has been a labor and delivery nurse for over 16 years and her class is packed full of valuable information.
Your Options For Pain Relief During Labor
Opioids
Opioids are a type of painkiller commonly given for pain relief during labor. They are usually given in the earlier stages of labor.
Opioids offer effective pain relief and do not stop your ability to push. They may also help to reduce your anxiety during labor.
Types Of Opioids Used For Labor
- Stadol – This is a very strong painkiller and is usually only given in very small doses. It will start to work very quickly and has the advantage of causing very little nausea. It has very little affect on your baby but can cause you to be dizzy.
- Demerol – This tends to be one of the most popular choices for pain relief during labor. It is very fast acting but can cause nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
- Fentanyl – This is a synthetic painkiller that gives mild pain relief. It is fast acting but does not last as long as other options. It may cause nausea but has minimal effect on your baby.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas can help reduce pain and anxiety if given in low doses. It is usually inhaled through a mask.
It is not as widely used as other forms of pain relief for labor. However, it does have advantages and its use is growing steadily.
Nitrous oxide is not considered to be a strong painkiller. You may still feel your labor pains to some degree but you will feel much more relaxed and able to deal with them.
Benefits Of Nitrous Oxide
- You administer nitrous oxide yourself through a mask. This means that you get to control how how much you have. You also get to decide when to stop using it if that’s what you wish.
- It is completely safe for you and your baby and is easy to administer.
- It is safe to breastfeed straight after birth.
- It does not affect the progress of your labor in any way.
- You can move around freely during your labor.
Risks Of Nitrous Oxide
- May cause and vomiting.
- May cause dizziness.
- Can lower vitamin B12 levels, so is unsuitable if you have a deficiency.
Epidural
An epidural block is an injection of anaesthesia that is put into the space around the spinal column. The block will stop pain signals from getting to your brain.
The procedure is performed by an anaesthesiologist and is usually painless. A catheter will be left in place so that you can continue to receive the pain relief throughout your labor.
Benefits Of having An Epidural During Labor
- Epidurals are usually a very safe form of pain relief during labor.
- You will be completely alert throughout the labor and delivery.
- They are highly effective.
- They can be excellent for use in c-sections as it allows you to stay awake during the procedure.
The Risks Of Having An Epidural
- The progression of your labor may be slower.
- May cause temporary loss of sensation in the lower body. This may affect your ability to pass urine and to feel when it is time to push.
- May cause nausea and vomiting.
- May cause a slight drop in blood pressure.
- There is a risk of back pain after the birth of your baby. This usually resolves in a few days.
Spinal Block
A spinal block is similar to an epidural in that a painkiller is injected into the spinal area. However, with a spinal block you will get injected once and no catheter is placed into the epidural space.
The analgesia is injected into the spinal fluid and will usually last about 2 hours. Spinal blocks tend to be less common than epidurals.
Benefits
- Extremely fast acting.
- Can be very effective.
- Minimal amounts will reach your baby.
Risks
- Your blood pressure may be lowered.
- You may experience dizziness and nausea.
- You could have some difficulty pushing during the delivery.
- May cause itchiness.
- Very slight chance of causing a severe headache after the birth.
Pudenal Block
A pudenal block is given by an injection of local anaesthetic into the pudenal canal. It is used to numb the vagina, vulva, and perineum in the second stage of labor just before the pushing stage.
They are not commonly used as most women tend to opt for an epidural if they choose to have medication during labor. The effects will not usually last very long.
A pudenal block can also be used to numb the area before an episiotomy.
Risks
- There is a risk of infection.
- You may need a large dose before you feel relief from pain.
If you decide that medication is not for you then there are many methods of natural pain relief during labor to try.
Natural Pain Relief Options For Labor
- Breathing and relaxation techniques
- Using a birthing ball
- Using a birthing pool
- Massage
- Applying a warmth to the area
- Aromatherapy
- Moving around and regularly changing position
As you can see there are many different options for pain medication during labor. As labor can be unpredictable it is important to be aware of the choices available to you.
Related Posts For Labor And Delivery.
Pain Relief During Labor
