Epidural is the most popular method of pain relief during labor. More than 50% of women giving birth at hospitals request epidurals. Learn why!

In the United States, the most common pharmacological forms of pain analgesia for labor have been narcotics and local anesthetics through an epidural. Nonetheless, in recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the benefits of using nitrous oxide for pain during labor.

Active labor will last about 3-5 hours. If this is your first baby, or if you have an epidural, labor could last longer. Your cervix will dilate from 4cm to 7cm; Contractions during this phase will last about 45-60 seconds with 3-5 minutes rest in between; Contractions will feel stronger and longer

Most women feel the need to switch to light breathing at some time during the active phase of labor. Let the intensity of your contractions guide you in deciding if and when to use light breathing. Breathe in and out rapidly through your mouth at about one breath per second.

Many women end up relying on some narcotics for pain relief during childbirth. As you prepare for labor, it is important to become familiar with the pain medications that are available, how they work, their risks and their benefits.

Labor and delivery decisions include more than deciding if you should have an epidural, deliver naturally or by c-section.

You can also request an epidural anesthetic or some other form of pain relief if needed. The following questions can be helpful when you do not understand or feel comfortable with suggested interventions:

For a spinal block, narcotics or anesthetic is injected once with a needle. For a spinal epidural or combined spinal-epidural, a catheter is placed in the epidural space to allow continuous anesthesia. Spinal blocks are not widely administered today because of …

Is General Anesthesia Used During Labor? Being informed about general anesthesia will help prevent mothers from being caught by surprise in the unlikely event that it might be necessary. General anesthesia causes a total loss of both sensation and consciousness.

Using Local Anesthesia During Labor. Local anesthesia is injected into a specific area to provide pain relief during labor. Local anesthesia methods include: Epidurals – medication given through a tube placed in the lower back. pudendal blocks-medication used to relieve pain in the vagina, vulva, and perineum