Painless delivery can be achieved using a form of regional anaesthesia that provides pain relief during natural labour. Epidural anaesthesia is administered through an injection on the lower back of the mother. The drug takes about 10-15 minutes to take effect. This is a good option for women with a lower pain bearing capacity
You may be required to sit still with your back arched while you are given the epidural. The doctor will catheterize your lower back by inserting a thin tube into the lower part of your spinal cord. The needle is removed, and the catheter is taped into place so that the epidural anaesthesia can be administered during labour. The epidural is administered once you are in active labour and works by numbing your pelvic region and everything below it while you remain conscious. However, you should be aware that it does not offer 100% pain relief.
Painless delivery gives women a chance at experiencing natural childbirth, with very little intervention. It has helped in bringing down the number of elective C-sections in India. Women are given an option to take an epidural during labour if they feel they are not able to bear the pain, are exhausted from pushing or in case of any emergencies that may require an urgent C-section. By alleviating pain, it allows the mother to focus on the delivery. It is an aid for relaxation and can prevent exhaustion and irritation experienced by most women during childbirth, thereby reducing the risk of developing post-partum complications. It helps the baby descend easily by relaxing the pelvic and vaginal muscles. It also helps in lowering the blood pressure of the mother, which otherwise can shoot up to dangerous levels during labour.
Dr Pradnya Randive MBBS, MS(OBGY), DPH (Mum) is an Obstetrician Gynaecologist, Laparoscopist & Fertility Specialist, She is the Director of Aadityacare Maternity Hospital, Bhandup, Mumbai.
