Pain Management Options
Labor is known for being a painful process. There are many options for managing and decreasing your pain. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about these options before you go into labor, so you fully understand your choices.
IV Pain Medication
- Purpose: To reduce and relieve pain and help you relax between contractions. You will still feel contractions.
- How it is given: Pain medication is given by a shot or through your IV line. It usually takes effect very quickly and may last 1 to 2 hours.
- Effects on you and your baby: You may feel dizzy or like you are floating. The medication could make your labor slow down for a short time.
Epidural
- Purpose: The epidural relieves pain from below the breasts to mid-thigh for labor and birth. You may still feel touch, movement, and pressure. You may also be able to move your legs. You will be alert but can also rest or sleep during labor.
- How it is given: A nurse anesthetist numbs the injection site, and places a very small tube in your back. Medication flows through the tube into the space just outside the spinal cord. It usually works in about 5 to 10 minutes and lasts as long as needed.
- Effects on you and your baby: You must have an IV in during your whole labor and birth. Most patients have very good pain relief from an epidural.
- Possible side effects: Your blood pressure may become low after the epidural is placed. Medication can be given to correct this. You may feel numbness or tingling in your legs.
Once the epidural is placed, you will have to stay in bed. If you have to urinate, the nurse will help you with a bedpan. If you are unable to urinate, a tube may be placed in your bladder to keep it empty.
Natural Techniques
Some women choose to manage their pain with natural techniques, and we have several options and tools available. A shower may be taken to relieve pain if your condition allows. Rocking chairs, labor balls and alternative positions in bed are also available.