What are my pain relief options during labor besides an epidural?
One of the things I recommend for all my patients is to attend a childbirth preparation class. Mercy’s classes help you learn how to handle the sensations of labor and delivery and to remain in control of your childbirth. You will learn about conscious relaxation, visual concentration, breathing techniques, pre-natal exercise and understanding the coach’s role. Talk to your doctor in advance about pain management options available once labor begins. Epidural anesthesia has gained popularity because the majority of women obtain superior to total relief of labor pain as compared to that achieved through narcotics. Demoral or Stadol are narcotics that can be given to take the edge off the pain, helping you to relax, but they do not alleviate all pain. A saddle block provides total pain relief for delivery, but can be given only late in labor. Local blocks can be provided for good perineal pain relief for cutting and repair of the episiotomy. Should I take pre-natal vitamins before I becom
