Obstetrical Care
Pain Management in Labor
Active labor is the faster, more intense part of labor. This is the phase of labor during which we recommend you come to the hospital. This is also the point in labor to consider pain management.
Non-medical Methods for Pain Relief
Walking and position changes (hands and knees, side-lying, standing and leaning over bed), applying warm packs, sitting on a birthing ball, massage, dim lights, music, aromatherapy, guided relaxation, and acupressure.
Hydrotherapy: Warm water immersion in a tub is relaxing and provides pain relief for some women. Prentice Women’s Hospital has two large birthing tubs available on a first-come, first-serve basis for hydrotherapy use. These are available on a first come, first serve basis. At Northwestern Medicine Obstetrics and Gynecology, this is an option for our midwife patients. Certain complications and medical conditions limit hydrotherapy as a safe option. Please discuss more with your midwife if this is something you are interested in. Showers are available in every delivery room and can provide some of the same benefits.
Medical Methods for Pain Relief
Non-medical Methods for Pain Relief
Walking and position changes (hands and knees, side-lying, standing and leaning over bed), applying warm packs, sitting on a birthing ball, massage, dim lights, music, aromatherapy, guided relaxation, and acupressure.
Hydrotherapy: Warm water immersion in a tub is relaxing and provides pain relief for some women. Prentice Women’s Hospital has two large birthing tubs available on a first-come, first-serve basis for hydrotherapy use. These are available on a first come, first serve basis. At Northwestern Medicine Obstetrics and Gynecology, this is an option for our midwife patients. Certain complications and medical conditions limit hydrotherapy as a safe option. Please discuss more with your midwife if this is something you are interested in. Showers are available in every delivery room and can provide some of the same benefits.
Medical Methods for Pain Relief
- Epidural Anesthesia
An “epidural” is a regional numbing medicine (sometimes combined with a narcotic) that is injected into the epidural space in the spinal column.
Prentice Women’s Hospital is staffed 24/7 by a team of specially trained OB Anesthesiologists, so rarely is it “too late” for an epidural. This is the most effective method of pain relief available, and it significantly reduces the discomfort experienced with labor and delivery.
It is also a local method of providing anesthesia, meaning it does not travel through the placenta or make you sleepy. It is important to know that once you have an epidural, you cannot stand or walk although you can still move your legs, change positions and feel pressure. Most women are still able to push effectively with an epidural.
- Narcotics
Pain medication can be administered via an IV for temporary pain relief. This works within a few seconds to help take the edge off of labor pain; however, it can make some patients feel nauseous or sleepy.
These medications also pass through the placenta and can temporarily affect the baby, and for this reason they cannot be given too close to delivery.
- Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is used during labor to take the edge off labor pains. It is a self-administered mix of oxygen and nitrous oxide, or laughing gas. It does not remove the sensations of labor, but can change the laboring person’s perception. It is safe for baby and does not affect breastfeeding. It can be started and stopped as needed. Some people who use it in labor experience nausea, dizziness, or sedation.
