In general, the techniques that anesthesiologists use to provide pain relief for labor and delivery are known as regional anesthesia. The term "regional" means that the medicines used partially numb the nerves coming from the uterus and vagina that transmit the pain of labor. Nearly two million women each year choose epidural or spinal anesthesia for labor, which may give you an idea of how safe and effective anesthesia is.

Although many women go through childbirth and delivery without medication, it is not supposed to be a trial by ordeal or a test of bravery. Medical technology gives you the option of safe and effective pain relief while you’re having your baby.

The nerves that transmit the pain of contractions travel from the uterus and vagina to the spinal cord. Spinal anesthetic is one method used to partially or completely numb these nerves, blocking the sensation of pain. In a spinal anesthetic (also called a subarachnoid block or saddle block), a needle is placed into the fluid-filled sac containing the nerves, and a solution of local anesthetic (numbing medicine) or narcotic pain medicine is injected.

The nerves that transmit the pain of contractions travel from the uterus and vagina to the spinal cord. Epidural anesthetic is used to partially or completely numb these nerves, blocking the sensation of pain. With an epidural anesthetic, a needle is inserted into the area just OUTSIDE the fluid filled sac that contains your nerves, and a narrow plastic tube called an epidural catheter is placed there. Local anesthetic, narcotic pain medicine, or a combination of the two, are injected into your body through the catheter.

General anesthesia is the use of medication to make a woman completely unconscious during the birth of her baby. General anesthetic is most often used for cesarean sections, though it is possible to have a C-section under a spinal or even epidural anesthetic. The benefit of general anesthesia is that it works quickly, is more consistently effective than regional anesthesia, and is good for mothers who prefer not to be awake during the actual delivery.

One of the draw-backs of using general anesthesia is that the baby is exposed to more of the anesthetic agents than when using a regional anesthetic. This could cause the baby to be somewhat sedated during and after birth.

In certain situations, pain medication can be delivered through an intravenous line or directly through an injection in your thigh or buttocks. Medication can be administered in this fashion during certain stages of labor to take the “edge off” of the mother’s pain. However, this type of medication is usually avoided close to the moment of delivery so that the baby won’t be overly sedated.

IV or intramuscular medication can help the mother relax, and does not usually interfere with the contractions unless given in larger doses.

In certain situations, pain medication can be delivered through an intravenous line or directly through an injection in your thigh or buttocks. Medication can be administered in this fashion during certain stages of labor to take the “edge off” of the mother’s pain. However, this type of medication is usually avoided close to the moment of delivery so that the baby won’t be overly sedated.

IV or intramuscular medication can help the mother relax, and does not usually interfere with the contractions unless given in larger doses.