Three things you should know about managing labor pain

When it comes to managing labor pain, there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Your only concern should be to obtain the kind of pain relief during labor that you need. It doesn’t matter what your mother, sister or friend did when they gave birth. This time, it’s all about you and your baby. Here are three things the caring physicians at Athens ObGyn want you to know about your pain relief choices.

First, managing labor pain with natural methods goes beyond breathing techniques

When you think of natural childbirth, you probably think of breathing and relaxation techniques. These natural methods are very helpful, but they are not the only ways to get pain relief during labor. Here are some other choices.

• Massage
• Using a labor or birthing ball
• Warm showers, heat on the back or cold on the forehead
• Changing positions as you labor
• Creating a soothing atmosphere with music and aromatherapy

All these options can help you manage the discomfort of childbirth.

Second, opioids provide safe pain relief during labor

Managing labor pain with opioids is safe for you and your baby until right before and during delivery. A nurse or physician can inject these medications into a muscle or vein. Opioids provide pain relief and allow you to move during labor. Additionally, you can still get a regional pain block during delivery.

Third, an epidural isn’t the only regional pain relief choice for labor and delivery

No doubt, you have heard many stories of women using epidurals for pain relief during labor. These regional analgesics are very effective, but there is more to know about this type of pain relief.

• Epidural blocks provide pain relief about 10 to 20 minutes after the injection. The anesthesiologist injects your spine and places a small tube in it so he or she can inject more medicine during labor and delivery.
• A spinal block starts working immediately and lasts one to two hours. Some women get this block to help with pain during delivery or a C-section.
• The combined spinal-epidural block provides the benefits of both the epidural and the spinal. This type of block provides immediate pain relief and allows you to get more medication during labor.

You have options when it comes to managing labor pain. The physicians at Athens ObGyn are always available to answer your questions. Contact us for an appointment.