Top 5 Things You Should Know About Painless Delivery

Have you ever heard a pregnant woman describing childbirth as the feeling of breaking 20 bones at once? Can it actually be that intense? Well, for many women, the fear of labour pain drowns out the excitement of welcoming a new life. Fortunately, it does not have to be synonymous with unbearable pain. There are various options available for painless delivery, including epidurals and natural pain relief techniques, that help women manage discomfort. Understanding these options empowers expectant mothers to make informed choices about their birthing experience. So, if you are unsure about painless delivery, here are the top 5 things you need to know in order to make your birthing experience smoother.

What Exactly Is Painless Delivery Or Epidural?

Painless delivery mainly involves epidural, a procedure where analgesic drugs are introduced through a thin catheter placed in the patient's lower back ^{1 2}. This way, the contractions pain is reduced significantly, making labour more bearable for the woman. Infusions of the drugs are continuously administered through an infusion pump to make the pain less intense, which allows an expectant woman to push herself during delivery. The primary purpose of the epidural is to lessen the discomfort associated with delivery. ^{1 2}

How Does An Epidural Work?

An epidural is the process of injecting pain-numbing medication into the epidural space in the lower back. This medication numbs the spinal nerves that transmit pain signals to the brain. In most cases, pain relief occurs within 10 to 20 minutes. This is why an epidural successfully blocks pain during labour, making the birth process much more comfortable. ^{2 3}

The Procedure For Painless Delivery

Here's a simple, step-by-step of what to expect if you wish to consider an epidural for delivery:³

• Preparation: You will receive IV drip hydration and fluids directly administered to your arm just before the procedure begins, to ready your body for the epidural.³
• Positioning: You can choose to sit up, lean down to rest over a pillow, or even lie on your side and expose the lower back. This allows the doctor to be in an excellent position to administer the injection.³
• Numbing: The doctor will first use an antiseptic to prevent infection to your lower back. After this, a local anaesthetic is injected into your lower back skin to make it numb, thereby eliminating pain from the epidural needle.³
  After the local anaesthetic is administered, a needle is inserted into your back, right into the epidural space that surrounds your spinal cord.³
• Epidural Needle & Catheter: The anaesthetist pauses for a contraction before inserting the epidural needle. They need to know when you are not contracting to place it precisely. Once the epidural needle is in place, a small, soft plastic tube (catheter) is threaded through it, and the needle is then removed. The catheter remains in place to administer the anaesthetic.³
• Anaesthetic Delivery: The anaesthetic passes through the catheter, numbing the lower parts of your body. Pain relief usually occurs within 5 to 30 minutes of the anaesthetic delivery. This method is effective during the first stage of labour and, as needed, throughout the labour process to manage pain effectively.³

Other Common Options For Painless Normal Delivery:

• Spinal Block: Given as a single injection directly into the spinal fluid which offers fast pain relief during short labour or caesarean section. ³ 4
• Nitrous Oxide: "Laughing gas" mothers can inhale to decrease pain without complete numbing.^{3 4}
• Pudendal Block: Local anaesthesia is administered at the later stages of labour to alleviate delivery pain.^{3 4}
• General Anesthesia: It is mainly used during a cesarean delivery if other pain relief measures are inappropriate.^{3 4}

Who Should Consider an Epidural?

An epidural may be a good option for:³

• A woman in labour seeking pain relief. It can significantly reduce discomfort during childbirth.
• A person receiving some surgical procedures. It is used as a substitute for general anaesthesia, giving localised anaesthetic numbness.
• It is helpful for a person’s pain management post-surgery, if any. 
• A woman with chronic pain. For a condition such as chronic back pain, the doctor might advise epidural steroid injections.

Pregnant? Before Choosing an Epidural For Labour Pain, Watch This!

Who Should Avoid It?

Individuals with anaesthetic drug allergies, blood clotting disorders, infections at the injection site, or unmanaged diabetic conditions should avoid epidurals.³

Painless Delivery Risks & Side Effects

While epidurals are considered one of the best pain relief measures, they, too have risks and side effects, such as:

Drop In Blood Pressure

Epidurals can sometimes lead to a drop in blood pressure, resulting in dizziness, nausea, or a faster heartbeat. Also, in some rare cases, it can affect the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the baby due to reduced blood pressure.

Allergic Reactions

Reactions to epidurals aren’t very common, but they can happen at times. Some women might notice itching, a rash, or slight swelling after the injection which is often mild. But in rare cases, the body might react more strongly. That is why close monitoring is required after the procedure.

Difficulty urinating

Since epidurals numb the lower body, they can also block the signals that tell the brain when the bladder is full. As a result, some women may not feel the urge to pee and might need a catheter to help empty the bladder.

Headache

In many cases, women also experience severe headaches a day or two after the epidural. This usually happens if the needle is accidentally injected deeper, causing spinal fluid to leak. The pain tends to feel worse when sitting or standing and feels uncomfortable overall.

Costs Of Painless Delivery

The cost of an epidural in India varies from one hospital to another, depending on the location of the hospital, its facilities, and the expertise of the medical staff. Normally, it costs between ₹5,000 to ₹15,000. Therefore, it is important for you to talk to a doctor about the cost and to the insurance companies to know what is covered. With this, you can smoothly plan your painless birthing experience. ^{3 4}

Final Thoughts..

So, dear friends, painless delivery is not just a dream, but a reality, with modern epidural techniques. Because of advanced medical care, the management of labour pain is now safer and easier to access. Thus helping you enjoy the whole birth experience as you welcome your little one. Take some time to explore these delivery options and discuss them with your healthcare provider. After all, you deserve the best!

Also, as you prepare to give birth, don’t forget the most important thing! We’re talking about cord blood banking—a simple step that can safeguard your baby & entire family against the impact of 80+ deadly diseases. 

Call us at 1800 266 5533 to book a free presentation & understand how cord blood banking can help you & your family. Visit www.lifecell.in for more information.

FAQs

Q1) Is A Painless Normal Delivery Possible?

No delivery is entirely pain-free! However, options like an epidural can greatly reduce painful sensations. While you may still feel pressure or movement, the pain is typically much more manageable after an epidural.

Q2) What Is The Least Painful Method Of Childbirth?

A vaginal delivery with an epidural is usually the least painful method of childbirth. An epidural numbs the lower body of the woman, making it easier for them to manage pain and pressure during labour.

Q3) Is Painless Delivery Safe For Mother And Baby?

Yes, painless delivery using epidurals is generally safe when given under proper medical supervision. However, like any other medical procedure, it also comes with some risks and minor side effects, which doctors explain beforehand.

Q4) What’s The Difference Between Painless And Normal Delivery?

Both painless and normal vaginal deliveries involve the baby passing through the birth canal. And here, the key difference between the two lies in pain management. In unmedicated vaginal delivery, a woman goes through the entire labor without any pain relief. However, in painless delivery, an epidural, a form of pain relief, is used to ease labour pain under strict medical supervision.