Some women want to go through the birthing process without having to feel the pain of labor and delivery. There are several options when it comes to dulling the intensity of labor pains. In this article we will take a look at some of the most commonly used medicines and methods for pain relief during labor.

There are a variety of analgesics (pain relievers), ataraxics (tranquillizers), and anesthetics (produces loss of feeling) available to women who are in labor. There are several factors when it comes to administering patients anyone of these substances. The patient's health can determine if a patient is eligible to receive any of these. Another factor is the stage of labor the patient is in. If the woman is too far into the labor and she is ready to push, medication will probably not be administered during this time. The present condition of the baby as well as the pediatrician and anesthesiologist's preference and experience will also become factors.

Demerol

Meperidine Hydrochloride is a strong pain reliever also known as Demerol. This is one of the most commonly used obstetrical analgesics by women in labor. Demerol is injected slowly into an IV apparatus so that the effects of the medicine can be gauged. There can also be one shot of Demerol placed into the buttocks muscle. This medication can be repeated every two to four hours as needed. Demerol does not always cause an interference with the contractions; however, the medication can make the contractions slower or weaker if given to the patient in a large dose. The Demerol does hold the ability to help stabilize the contractions inside of an abnormal functioning uterus.

The patient's reaction to the drug can vary. Some women may find the Demerol very relaxing enabling them the ability to deal with the contraction pain. Other women may become overly drowsy and unable to cope with the pain at all.

Side effects of the Demerol can also vary. Nausea, vomiting, depression, and a drop in blood pressure can come along with being given the drug. The side effects the medicine may have on the newborn can also vary. If Demerol is given too close to delivery, the baby may become sleepy and unable to suck. The baby's respiration may also be depressed and supplemental oxygen will have to be given to the baby. Demerol's effects are usually short-term and it can also be administered during postpartum to relieve the pain of a cesarean section or episiotomy repair.

Tranquilizers

Medications such as Phenergan or Vistaril are commonly used to relax an over excited woman so that she can stay focused on giving birth to the child. They can enhance the effectiveness of analgesics. Woman who request tranquillizers during the late stages of birth will probably be turned down. Tranquillizers are only administered during early labor stages to keep the woman alert and ready for the big push.

The effects of tranquilizers can vary, some women are happy with the soft drowsiness as it gently calms them down, while other women who are not happy with losing their control. The effects of tranquilizers to the mother and fetus are minimal except for cases of fetal distress. The best option for the mother-to-be is to practice relaxation techniques with her coach so that they do not have to worry about anxiety during labor.

Inhalants

Nitrous oxide is not used as commonly today was it was a few years back. This medication is only used in combination with other drugs usually to induce the general Anesthesia.

Regional Nerve Blocks

When an anesthetic is injected by the course of a nerve it deadens the feeling in the region. During surgical delivery the anesthesiologist's goal may be to numb the feeling from the waist down. They may also numb the vagina area so that the mother does not feel the pain while she is pushing. One of the effects of this is that the woman will not be able to feel if she needs to urinate, therefore, she will have to get a catheter inserted into the bladder in order to remove the urine. The most frequently used regional nerve blocks are: pudendal, epidural, spinal, and caudal.

Pudendal block is used to eliminate the pain in second-stage labor; however, it is mostly used for the vaginal delivery. It is administered through a needle to the vaginal area. It reduces the pain in the region; however, the woman will still feel uterine discomfort.

The epidural block is the most popular for both vaginal and cesarean deliveries. This is one of the safest medicines, because a person may only need a very small amount in order for it to take effect. The epidural (usually bupivacaine, lidocaine, or cholorprocaine) is administered through a tube that has been inserted through a needle in the back. The anesthesiologist will do this after a local anesthetic numbs the area. The needle will be placed in the epidural space between the spinal cord and the outer membrane. The medicine can be stopped so that the mother has control during the pushing stage, it can then be restarted after delivery if needed.

Side effects of getting the epidural can be a drop in blood pressure. Because of this, the mother's blood pressure will be checked often. The fetus can also slow down the fetus' heartbeat, so the baby's will have continuous fetal monitoring.

If you do ask for an epidural, make sure to get it after labor starts and you are at least 4 centimeters dilated. You should also ask that the medication level not be high so your motor function is not blocked.

Spinal blocks, are used for cesarean sections and low spinal, or saddle blocks are used for vaginal delivery. This type of medication is administered right before delivery in a single dose. The anesthetic is injected into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord.

Some of the side effects of this drug can be vomiting and nausea while the drug is in effect. There is also a risk in your blood pressure dropping. After delivery, the patient is made to stay lying on their back for 8 hours and some patients may get a post-spinal headache.

The caudal block will block feeling in a limited area. It is not as easy to administer as the epidural and it takes a much larger dose to be effective. It is not used very often because of this reason.

General Anesthesia

General Anesthesia was once the most popular pain relief during delivery. This type of medication would put the patient to sleep, however, today it is used only of surgical births and sometimes for delivering the head in a vaginal breech delivery. The rapid effects of the Anesthesia make it easy to administer in emergency situations where there is no time for other medications.

Side effects of general Anesthesia include: grogginess, disorientation, restlessness, sore throat and cough, nausea, vomiting, having slow bowels and bladder and a drop in blood pressure are all possible with this type of medication. One of the major concerns with giving general Anesthesia to the patient is that she can have a risk of vomiting and inhaling the vomit, which can cause aspiration pneumonia. This is why women are recommended not to eat or drink before being given the medicine.

Hypnosis

Hypnosis can work to relive pain during labor and delivery. When a person is hypnotized they have a very high level of suggestibility, which can relax or make the patient feel as if the pain has disappeared. Only about 1 in 4 adults are hypnotizable. The training for hypnosis should start weeks or months in advance prior to labor and delivery. Always use caution when trying this pain relief method and make sure your hypnotist is a trained professional.

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)

This method of pain relief during pregnancy uses electrodes to stimulate nerve pathways to the uterus and cervix. The intensity of the stimulation is controlled by the patient, allowing her to increase it during contractions.

Acupuncture

This ancient Chinese practice has proven wonders for the medical industry for years. Needles are placed in the skin at certain pressure points to relieve the pain of childbirth.

When trying to find the right method of pain relief, it is always best to consult your physician. Discover your options and if possible speak with other women who have used any of the medications or methods and how it affected them during their birthing process.

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