Labor Pain Management

There are several different forms of pain management/anesthesia options at CCH for childbirth. They may be used independently or in conjunction with one another. Some of the most commonly administered anesthetics include:

• First line pain management: shower, walking, massage, birthing ball, deep breathing to help the mother concentrate on relaxation
• Intramuscular injection of pain medication to “take the edge off” during labor
• IV medications are used to “take the edge off” during labor
• Regional Anesthesia
• Epidural- a method used to continuously deliver medications through a tiny catheter placed in the small of a woman’s back. This allows most women to fully participate in the birth experience, while relieving most of the pains of labor
• Spinal (Intrathecal)- is similar to an epidural but the medications are administered with a needle into the spinal canal
• Pudendal Block- local injections of anesthetic that numbs the vaginal area in preparation for delivery
• General Anesthesia- administered by giving anesthetic drugs intravenously and having the patient breathe anesthetic gases