According to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, it's important for a pregnant woman to know her pain relief options before her delivery date arrives. While some women prefer to birth without pain relief, no two women are alike and women may have totally different birth experiences with subsequent births. Every woman should become informed of anesthetic choices before the delivery time arrives.
Local Anesthesia
Usually given shortly before the actual birth, local anesthesia is a series of localized injections given to make the mother more comfortable as the baby is born as well as during the placement of any stitches needed afterward.
Sedation
Sedation, in the form of tranquilizers or narcotics, may be given either intravenously or as an injection. While sedation will not eliminate the pain of labor, it will reduce the pain and lower the anxiety level of the mother-to-be.
Regional Anesthesia
According to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, regional anesthesia is used in the birthing process in the form of a pudendal block, which is a series of local anesthetic injections given in the vaginal region. This type of anesthesia numbs the vaginal area before delivery.
Epidural
A local anesthetic given through a catheter placed outside the spinal cord in the small of the back, an epidural allows the mother to feel pressure and touch but not the pain of labor. An epidural is usually administered when the cervix is dilated between 4 and 5 centimeters but is sometimes placed earlier in the labor cycle.
Spinal
A spinal is basically the same as an epidural but is placed directly into the spinal canal via a needle in order to take effect sooner. Spinals are sometimes administered for a cesarean birth or when a forceps delivery is required.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is given either intravenously or by inhaled gas. Often used when complications occur during the delivery, general anesthetics can be quickly administered and are felt to be the best option when time is critical.
