We all know that labor, delivery, and postpartum can be painful. While everyone has different levels of tolerance, the different stages of labor and delivery can be uncomfortable. Have you heard stories about contractions? What about pushing or delivery? Have friends and family shared their experiences with healing during postpartum? Either way, it is important to know that everyone’s experience is different and you have options for your own birth experience! For some people having an unmedicated birth is the best (or only) choice, while for others having options for medication is the best (or only) choice. As you prepare for the birth of your baby, consider making a birth plan that details all of your wishes for pain management from labor to postpartum. Let’s walk through some of your pain management options so that you can make the most informed decisions for you and your body!

These medications are given through an IV or by injection and they are used to reduce pain directly at the pain receptors. Some of the benefits of these medications are that they work fast and they do not make you go to sleep or lose awareness. Some of the cons are that they don’t last long and they may cause nausea, drowsiness, or vomiting. Additionally, these medications can affect the baby’s heart rate, breathing, and they can make the baby sleepy even after birth.

This medication is inhaled through a mask. It is a tasteless and odorless gas. The best results are achieved when taken 30 seconds before a contraction starts. Some of the pros of using Nitrous Oxide are that the effects happen quickly, you can use it off and on throughout labor, you can control the amount you receive, and you can walk with it. Some cons are that the medication can reduce your anxiety, but it doesn’t reduce the pain itself. Also, it can cause you to feel dizzy, nauseous, or drowsy.

This medication is injected into the vagina, vulva, and perineum (anus). It provides pain relief in small areas and is often used during delivery, just before delivery, and during episiotomies. The pros of local anesthesia are that it numbs the area temporarily, it only takes 10-20 seconds to take effect, it is safe for you and your baby, and there are hardly any side effects. The cons are that it doesn’t help with contractions and in some cases it can cause an allergic reaction or heart problems if too much is given.

This is the most common pain management method used in the United States. It is administered by a small tube that is placed in your back that delivers pain medication. The epidural block causes numbness in your lower body to relieve the pain from labor. Placement of the epidural is fairly quick and straightforward. First the skin is cleaned, numbing medicine is injected into the area, then a needle is placed in the lower back and then removed, but a small tube is left for the medicine to pass through. Note that you will be lying on your side or sitting up with your back curved. Some pros to this medication are that it only takes 10-20 minutes to take effect, you are awake and alert during the process, it provides quick and long lasting pain relief that can be adjusted as needed, you will still be able to feel pressure, and you will be able to bear down while pushing. Some cons are that sometimes they don’t work or need to be replaced, and that you will not be able to walk around during labor or deliver in positions other than lying down. Epidurals can also slow your baby’s heart rate down or cause drowsiness in you and your baby which may lead to a slower labor or a delayed latch during breastfeeding temporarily. Finally, possible side effects include fever, shivering, itchiness, headache, back pain or soreness. While they are rare, other side effects are breathing problems, spinal cord injuries, and rapid heart rate.

Much like an epidural block, spinal blocks provide pain relief during labor and delivery. It is administered in a similar way to epidural blocks, but it is given as a shot in your back rather than a tube that remains. This medication is best for cesarean sections because while it kicks in fast, it only lasts for 1-2 hours. Some pros are that the medication gives fast acting pain relief and you can remain awake and alert during your labor and delivery. The cons are that you cannot walk around, it doesn’t last as long as an epidural, and the side effects include slow heart rate for baby, itchiness, back soreness, or headache.

This medication is typically only used in emergencies. If it is needed, medication is given through a mask or IV and it will make you fall asleep. Some pros are that you will not feel pain and doctors will be able to address the urgent situation without causing you pain or discomfort. Also, the medication wears off quickly and it doesn’t have long lasting effects. The cons are that you will not be awake during the birth of your baby, you will receive a breathing tube, and it can cause decreased heart rate and alertness in your baby. In rare cases, food and liquids could come up into the lungs and cause pneumonia.

After birth you will have several options for pain relief. It is important that you ask questions regarding your options and share all of your preferences with your medical team. In most cases over the counter medications such as tylenol are given to relieve pain, while in some cases stronger medications such as opioids are given to relieve pain. If you plan to breastfeed,  make sure to ask if medications that you are offered are safe for breastfeeding. Finally, do not feel like you have to take medication to relieve pain. There are many natural remedies that the hospital or birthing staff can provide:

Labor, delivery, and postpartum have a reputation of being painful, but you don’t have to suffer! Talk to your birth team about your options and the potential effects of each option. Also know that pain management is available to you so never feel ashamed about asking for what you need! Want to share your labor pain management experience?  Join YUP! and talk to other young parents on our community forums.