What are the methods of pain relief during labor and delivery?

Painless childbirth is actually a common way, but painless childbirth can be carried out in many ways, such as drug analgesia, mental painless childbirth, use of delivery instruments, etc. When it comes to the use of painless childbirth, everyone must follow the advice of a regular doctor to avoid the adverse effects of painless childbirth on the body, which can be an obstacle.

The main methods of pain relief during labor:

(1) Analgesia with medication. It can achieve the effects of calming, promoting sleep, and reducing fear and anxiety. Commonly used drugs in clinical practice include diazepam and pethidine. However, it should not be used in large quantities, especially within 3-4 hours before delivery of the fetus, so as not to affect uterine contractions and inhibit the breathing of the newborn.

(2) Psychological painless childbirth method. Explain the knowledge about pregnancy and childbirth to the mother and her family, so that they can understand the contraction pain during childbirth and have confidence in the safety of childbirth. This can help the mother eliminate fear and anxiety, produce strong uterine contractions during childbirth, and help the labor process proceed smoothly. Instruct the mother to take slow, deep breaths after the contractions intensify to reduce the pain during contractions. It is currently advocated that family members accompany the mother during labor and delivery. When the mother is in pain, having relatives by her side will give her infinite comfort and enhance her tolerance to pain.

(3) The use of analgesic delivery devices. When the parturient has regular uterine contractions, the use of an analgesic delivery device has achieved good results in clinical practice.

(4) Others. Strengthening muscle, ligament and joint exercises during pregnancy; relaxing the mind, cultivating the art of relaxation and imagination; a good delivery environment; immersing the body in water during delivery, etc., can all reduce the pain during delivery.

The most ideal analgesic effect is when the epidural space blocks the sensory nerves that control the uterus, reducing pain. Since the amount of anesthetic used is very small, the mother can still feel the contractions. Labor may be prolonged due to the use of anesthesia, but oxytocin can be injected to strengthen uterine contractions and speed up labor. Epidural block analgesia has certain risks, such as anesthetic allergy and anesthesia accidents. Because the operation procedures are rather complicated, obstetricians and gynecologists and anesthesiologists are required to jointly supervise and monitor the condition of the mother during the entire delivery process.

Who can have a painless childbirth?

Expert tips: Except for some women with obstetric emergencies, back injuries or infections, lumbar deformities or previous surgeries, prenatal bleeding, shock and coagulation problems, painless delivery is suitable for most women. It is especially suitable for the following conditions: first-time mothers who are particularly afraid of pain; those who have severe labor pain due to strong uterine contractions; and mothers with pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease or respiratory diseases.

Possible side effects:

Some side effects may occur during "painless childbirth", such as temporary shivering, low blood pressure, and vomiting, while headaches, back pain, infection, cramps, drug allergies, or incomplete anesthesia and analgesia are less common.