Labor.  As the name implies, it can be painful.  No two labors are alike, so you can’t guess that you’ll have a similar labor to your sister or your mother.  The amount of pain you experience will depend on many factors, including your tolerance for pain and the type of labor you are experiencing.  For example “back labor” (this is when your baby’s spine is rubbing up against yours) can be more painful.

This article will give you some basic information on the pain control options available to you.  This article in no way endorses one method above another, and as with any medical information you read online you should discuss it with your doctor to decide what options are the best for you and your situation. 

Epidural

Probably the most common method of pain control during labor for women today, it is dispensed in the lower pack and allows for continual pain management during labor.  It is administered by an anesthesiologist.

Intravenous medications

Intravenous (or IV) medications can be administered during the early phases of labor. IV medications last only briefly and can make you and your baby sleepy.

Mental relaxation

An option for those women opting for natural births, mental relaxation techniques are based on the mother keeping herself calm and relaxed during labor.  You need to be mentally strong and controlled to utilize this technique, and it is not something you can do without practice.  You need to practice these relaxation and visualization techniques as often as possible during your pregnancy.

Water births

Hospitals around the world are beginning to embrace water births as a method of pain management and are incorporating water birthing centers into their childbirth suites and floors.  The water seems to allow women to better handle the pain of contractions.  This, as with any other pain management technique, should only be done under the advice and supervision of your physician.

Like labor, all pain management options are different, and what works for one woman might not work for you.  The best thing you can do is prepare yourself with as much information possible so that you can know all your choices before the labor.  I caution you to not make a decision on pain management options without talking with your doctor to see what she thinks will work best for you and your specific situation.