Labor and delivery (11)
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- Episiotomy: Can you deliver a baby without one?
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Postpartum care (7)
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- Maternity leave: Tips for returning to work
- Weight loss after pregnancy: Reclaiming your body
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Labor pain: Weigh your options for pain relief
By Mayo Clinic staffLabor is a natural — although challenging — process. No two women have the same perception of labor pain, and no two labors are exactly alike. Ultimately, you need to choose what's right for you.
The best approach depends on your preferences and on how your labor progresses. Sometimes, you won't know what kind of pain relief you want until you're in labor. But it's a good idea to think about your options for managing labor pain ahead of time. Find out what's available at your hospital or birthing center, and discuss your preferences with your health care provider.
Consider the options
There are many ways to relax and stay in control of labor pain. Relaxation exercises, breathing techniques and frequent changes of position often help — particularly in the early stages of labor. Your partner can massage or firmly press on your lower back, or apply ice packs or heat to your lower back. Other options include warm showers, soothing music and dim lighting.
As labor progresses — and contractions become stronger and more frequent — many women add medication to their arsenal of pain relief options. Narcotic analgesics decrease the perception of pain and make it easier to rest. Epidural and spinal blocks temporarily block pain in the lower body or alter your perception of the pain.
Nontraditional options for managing labor pain may include hypnosis, acupuncture or reflexology. None of these techniques stops the pain of contractions, but they may help you feel more relaxed and better able to handle labor pain.
Understand the pros and cons
Each pain management option has pros and cons. Relaxation and breathing techniques can help you feel a better sense of control, but they don't dull the pain. Medication can make contractions less painful, but you may experience side effects — such as drowsiness, nausea or slowed labor. With some medications, you may be restricted to bed or to a specific position, and your bladder may need to be emptied by a catheter. Medication can affect your baby, too. If given shortly before birth, your baby may be drowsy or need help breathing.
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