|
What will labor be like?
The excitement of your child’s birth often makes you wonder what labor will be like.
Each woman’s labor is unique, and each woman experiences labor discomfort differently.
Some women achieve adequate pain control during labor and delivery with the breathing and
relaxation techniques they learn at childbirth classes. Other women find these techniques
most effective when combined with other pain relief methods.
It is important for you to learn what pain relief options are available during childbirth.
Decisions regarding control of your labor pain must be made specifically for you. Remember,
however, that your pain relief choices may be governed by certain circumstances of your
labor and delivery. Throughout your labor, your health care provider will assess your
progress and comfort to help you choose a pain relief technique.
Your health care provider may ask an anesthesiologist (a physician who specializes in pain
relief) to talk with you about pain relief during labor. The anesthesiologist will be happy
to answer your questions.
What pain-relief options are available during childbirth?
Analgesic medications can be injected into a vein or a muscle to dull labor discomfort.
Because analgesic medications affect your entire body and may make both you and your baby
sleepy, they are mainly used during early labor to help you rest and conserve
your energy.
Local anesthesia may be used by your health care provider during delivery to numb a painful
area or after delivery when stitches are necessary. Local anesthetic medications do not
reduce discomfort during labor.
Regional anesthesia (also called epidural or spinal anesthesia) is administered by an
anesthesiologist during labor to reduce discomfort. In both epidural and spinal anesthesia,
medications are placed near the nerves in your lower back to block pain in a wide region of
your body while you stay awake. Regional anesthesia greatly reduces or eliminates pain
throughout the birthing process. It can also be used if a cesarean birth becomes
necessary.
General anesthesia is used for emergencies during the birthing process. General anesthesia
induces sleep and must be given by an anesthesiologist. While safe, general anesthesia prevents
you from seeing your child immediately after birth.
|
