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Activity - Researching If Pain Medication During Labor Is Right For You

By Rachel Lacourciere, edHelperBaby

  Researching If Pain Medication During Labor Is Right For You
           Many women approach their due dates with little idea of what labor will really be like; they are armed instead with the various horror stories they have heard from family and friends about how painful it was for them.  The truth that can be taken from these stories is that labor does hurt; but bear in mind that everyone's experience is unique because each woman's mindset and threshold for pain varies.  That is why it is important to complete your own research for easing labor pains prior to your due date.  This will allow you and your partner to make an informed decision when it becomes necessary and will hopefully ease the intimidation of what is to come.       

       Keep in mind that many women like the idea of not using pain medication during the labor and delivery of their babies, but that once they are in actual labor they become overwhelmed and choose some type of medication for relief.  This should never be seen as a form of weakness on the part of the mother!  Safe options for pain relief exist and have been administered with success for several years.  Educate and prepare yourself now as to all of your options.  By keeping an open mind you will be allowing yourself to make an informed decision that is best for your baby, yourself, and your partner.

 		   

  Pain Medication Options
   
  • Opioids - An opioid is a narcotic that can be administered during the early stages of labor to help relieve pain.  It can reduce the chance that forceps will need to be used (as compared to when an epidural block is used) but can also affect a baby's breathing if given too close to delivery.
  • Epidural block - An epidural block is a form of local anesthesia that numbs a woman's body from waist down but leaves the woman aware of her surroundings and completely awake during the birthing process.  This type of medication is administered with a needle that is placed near the nerves in the woman's lower back.
  • Spinal block - A spinal block is another form of local anesthesia that numbs a woman's body from waist down, leaving the woman aware of her surroundings and completely awake during the birthing process.  This type of medication is also administered with a needle that is placed near the nerves in the woman's lower back.  A spinal block requires less medication and works faster than an epidural block but is also more likely to cause a headache or low blood pressure.
  • Pudendal block - A pudendal block is an injection of pain medication into the pelvic area, usually administered close to the delivery of the baby.  It allows quick pain relief when pain medication may be needed in a labor that is progressing quickly or prior to an episiotomy.  An episiotomy is an incision used to widen the vaginal opening for delivery of the baby.
  • General anesthesia - General anesthesia puts a woman to sleep during the birthing process but is typically only used in an emergency since a woman cannot bond with her child immediately following the birth.

       Take the time to discuss with your regular prenatal doctor which pain medication options exist for you.

 		   

  Other Alternatives to Medication
           Natural childbirth is the experience of labor and delivery without the use of medication.  Instead, the woman (with the help of her partner) uses focused breathing, massage, and visualization techniques to ease labor pains.  A woman may choose this option in order to better focus on her body and the birthing process.  Additionally, babies that are born to mothers that do not use medication tend to be more alert directly after birth, since no drugs have an opportunity to get into the baby's bloodstream.

 		   

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