Labor pain: Weigh your options for pain relief

What type of pain management is best during labor? That answer largely depends on your preferences and on how your labor is progressing. No two women have the same tolerance for pain, and no two labors are exactly alike. Ultimately, you need to choose what's right for you.

Sometimes, you won't know what kind of pain relief you want until you're in labor. When making your decision, keep in mind that birth isn't a test of endurance. You won't have failed if you ask for pain relief. Before that first contraction kicks in, it's a good idea to think about the method — or methods — of pain relief you might prefer. Find out what's available at your hospital or birthing center, and discuss your preferences with your doctor.

Consider the options

Natural methods of pain relief can help you relax and stay in control of the pain, particularly in the early stages of labor. You may try relaxation exercises, breathing techniques and frequent changes of position.

As labor progresses, many women use a combination of natural methods and medication. Narcotic analgesics decrease the perception of pain and make it easier to rest. Epidural and spinal blocks can 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.

Expect the unexpected

Labor and delivery are unpredictable. You may not know what kind of pain relief you want until you're in labor. Even if you have a plan, you may decide to change it once you've started labor. Or the specific characteristics of your labor may prompt your health care provider to suggest a pain relief option that wasn't in your original plan.

One thing is certain: The more you know about the process of giving birth and your options for managing the pain, the better your experience will be. In fact, education itself is a form of pain relief. Taking away the fear of childbirth can minimize the 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 any medication you take may affect your baby.

If enough time passes between when you receive a narcotic pain medication and when your baby is born, your body will process the drug, and your baby will be born alert and ready for life on the outside. If you receive narcotic medication within one to two hours of giving birth, however, the baby may be born sleepy. Rarely, a baby may need treatment to reverse the effects of the narcotics.

Things to consider before you choose

To choose the pain relief method or methods that are right for you, ask:

• What's involved in the method?
• How will it affect me?
• How will it affect my baby?
• How quickly will it work if I decide to use it?
• How long will the pain relief last?
• Can I combine it with other methods of pain relief?
• When during labor is the method available?

Remember, you're free to request pain relief at any point during labor and delivery. Trust your health care provider to help you make the best choices as your labor progresses.

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