PLANNING YOUR CHILDBIRTH

Childbirth is one of the most joyous occasions and can also be one of the most painful.

Some women are able to sooth the pains of labor through breathing exercises or other relaxation techniques. Other new mothers may find the use of pain medications beneficial during their delivery.

Cape Cod Anesthesia’s doctors are experienced in several techniques to aid both mother and child through delivery in the most comfortable state possible. The two types of medications most used are analgesics and anesthetics. Analgesia is commonly used during labor or after delivery, and includes systemic and regional methods.

Epidural Analgesia

Often referred to as an epidural block, your anesthesiologist will inject certain drugs into your lower back that will cause the loss of feeling in the lower areas of your body, but allow you to still remain conscious and alert. Epidurals can be administered soon after contractions start or further along in the labor process. This technique is often coupled with additional medications for cesarean deliveries or when vaginal births require the assistance of vacuum extraction or forceps to deliver the baby.

Spinal Block

A spinal block, like an epidural, is injected into your lower back and brings short-term relief. It is usually given for pain relief during delivery or cesarean section, and is usually only used once during the birthing process.

Combined Spinal-Epidural Block

This combination technique utilizes the benefits of both forms of regional pain relief. The spinal block immediately relieves labor pains, while the epidural provides pain relief throughout the labor process.

Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia provides a temporary loss of sensation only at the particular area where the drug is administered. A local anesthetic may be used when your doctor performs an episiotomy or repairs any vaginal tears that may have occurred during delivery.

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is used to induce pain relief over the entire body and puts the patient into an unconscious state. General anesthesia is commonly used when regional anesthesia is not possible or there are other medical reasons that may warrant its use, such as an emergency cesarean delivery.