What are my Pain Relief Options While in Labor?
When the subject of pain control in labor comes up, most women automatically think of an epidural. While an epidural might provide the most relief, it is not your only choice. There are multiple ways your obstetrics provider can make labor less painful.
Intravenous pain medications are often given if a woman wants something for her pain but are either not ready for an epidural yet or do not want one. There are a few types of medications that can be given, and they each vary in how frequently a dose can be repeated. Examples include fentanyl, butorphanol, and nalbuphine. These primarily work via sedation. These medications do cross the placenta, so most providers will not administer them close to delivery to avoid the arrival of a sleepy baby who needs extra stimulation to breathe and cry.
Nitrous oxide, or \”laughing gas,\” is becoming a more common option in labor and delivery rooms across the United States. This involves holding a mask over your mouth and nose and inhaling a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. When used it can bring relief of pain and anxiety in under a minute and is short-lived enough to have minimal effect on the baby. While it doesn\’t gives as much relief as an epidural, it is a nice option to have when in labor.
Local anesthetics can be used for labor relief and also during the repair of any lacerations or episiotomies after delivery. A pudendal nerve block is when a numbing medication like lidocaine is injected into the inside of the vagina to numb the pudendal nerves. This can be done right before delivery or if you need something like a forceps delivery, which can be painful without anesthesia.
Non-narcotic options for pain relief also exist. For example, laboring in a chair or on a birthing ball may help your contractions feel less intense, as does laboring in a shower or tub. Some women employ massage, guided imagery, controlled breathing, or a combination of all of these to help them get through labor. If you are planning on using any of these techniques, it may be helpful to attend a childbirth class ahead of time that reviews how these methods work.
If you initially planned on avoiding pain medications in labor but then experience a change of heart, try not to feel disappointed. It can be hard to know what to expect until you are in the midst of the real thing, and every woman perceives labor differently! Be sure to speak up and let those caring for you know how they can help you best.
Reviewed by Dr. Jen Lincoln, December 2018
Sources:
- American College of Obstetrics/Gynecology Practice Bulletin # 36
- Obstetric Analgesia and Anesthesia.
March of Dimes - Natural relief for labor pain.
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