What are my possible options for pain relief during labor and delivery?
• Some women prefer natural methods such as Lamaze. These techniques are usually taught outside the hospital prior to labor. • Your obstetrician may prescribe intravenous (IV) or intramuscular medication for pain. These usually relieve pain for a few hours, but may make both you and your baby sleepy. • Your obstetrician may request an anesthesia consult for spinal or epidural pain medication (more information below). You may also combine techniques. For instance, you may start out in labor using natural relaxation techniques, but later choose intravenous medication. If the IV pain medication wears off before delivery, you may decide to request an epidural or spinal anesthetic.
