Each woman's labor is unique to her. The amount of pain felt will differ from that felt by other women in labor. It depends on diverse set of factors such as level of pain tolerance, the size and position of the baby. The strength of the uterine contractions, and prior birth experiences. Some women achieve adequate comfort with breathing and relaxation techniques learned in childbirth classes. Others may find these methods inadequate.
For those who require further pain medication, The WWC offers these forms of pain relief: |
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Intravenous or Intramuscular pain medications:
These are medications that are injected into a vein or muscle to help dull the labor pain. These medications may not eliminate pain completely, but they will lessen the pain and lead to relaxation between contractions. This form of pain relief is prescribed by your obstetrician at The Woman's Wellness Center. Side Effects of this medication include sleepiness of both the mother and the newborn baby.
Local Anesthetic: Your health care provider may also inject pain-relieving medications into the vaginal and rectal areas at the time of delivery. These medications are local anesthetic. They provide a numbness or lack of sensation to a small area. Local anesthesia is often used to ease the pain of delivery when an episiotomy is done to assist with the delivery. It does not, however, lessen the pain of contractions.
Regional blocks: are administered by the anesthesiologist to lesson the pain of labor. Regional blocks include epidurals, spinal and combined spinal/epidural blocks. They are administered in the lower back. Local anesthetics are injected into the lower back to block pain and other sensations over a wide region of the body. Regional blocks for labor and delivery have become very popular because they are safe and effective. The epidural block decreases sensation in the lower areas of the body; however, it allows the delivering mother to stay awake and alert. The right time to administer the epidural block will vary from woman to woman and will be determined by the anesthesiologist and your health care provider at The Woman's Wellness Center.
The onset of pain relief with a regional block is gradual. Pain relief will occur within 5 to 15 minutes after the medication has been injected. In the case of an epidural catheter, medication can be re-injected as needed for pain relief. After delivery, the epidural catheter will be removed and within a few hours sensation will return to normal. Considerable research has shown that regional blocks are sage for both the mother and the baby, with little or no effect on the infant. Recent studies have shown that regional block does not slow the progress of labor. Regional blocks allow the delivering mother to maintain energy and reserve in order to better facilitate pushing. Side effects or regional blocks can include a decrease in blood pressure, which can be prevented by the administration of intravenous fluids prior to administration. Although uncommon, a headache may develop following regional blocks. This usually disappears within a few days. If it does not disappear and becomes severe, additional treatment is available. (continued)
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