Pain relief in labour

Even if you plan to have a natural delivery, it is good to keep in mind the medical pain relief available to you just in case you want other options when labor starts.

Nitrous oxide
This is a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen and is inhaled through a mouthpiece or a facemask. You can control how much you inhale and it can help you to establish a steady, controlled breathing pattern.

It works by numbing the pain centers in the brain and dulling the pain of contractions. It’s perfectly safe for you and your baby (although it will cause you to feel lightheaded and possibly nauseous) and you can use it alongside other methods of pain relief.

Nitrous oxide isn’t on offer at many hospitals but if you’re having a home birth you can ask if your nurse-midwife offers it as a pain relief option.

Narcotics
These are analgesics that can be given via injection, IV or a pump you control yourself. The most common option, Demerol, starts working within five minutes and takes the edge off pain. They make you feel less anxious and drowsy, which can help you get some rest in early labor. The downside with this, though, is that it means you’ll be lying down instead of staying active.

Narcotics can also cause nausea, and they cross the placenta into your baby's bloodstream. This can make your baby drowsy at birth, which may interfere with breastfeeding. He can be given an antidote if necessary.

Epidural

This is the most popular form of pain relief in labor – more than 50 per cent of women in labor use it. It’s a regional anesthetic inserted via a tube into the epidural space in your lower back, and prevents pain signals reaching your brain.

It causes numbness from your bump downwards so you won’t be able to feel any contractions. An epidural can be a good option if you’re suffering from high blood pressure, as it can reduce this. The disadvantages are that it has to be administered by an anesthesiologist, who may not be available at short notice (check your hospital has 24-hour cover).

It also requires you to sit very still, which might be difficult if your contractions are intense. Plus, because you’ll be numb afterwards, you’ll have to lie down, which could slow your labor – and if you’re still numb when it’s time to push, you may find it difficult to push effectively. This could make an assisted delivery necessary.

Spinal block

This works in much the same way as and epidural, but the anesthetic is injected into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. They’ve been increasingly popular for use in cesarean sections or emergency obstetric procedures because they work almost immediately. A spinal block only lasts for an hour or so, though, so it’s not suitable for pain relief throughout labor. Its main disadvantage is that, similarly to the epidural, an anesthesiologist has to give it.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.