What is Painless Delivery?

Painless delivery is the natural way of childbirth almost without experiencing any pain during the labor. In short, painless delivery is nothing but the normal delivery without pain. The epidural anesthesia used in this procedure, helps mothers relieve the normal delivery pain and is the most popular method for pain relief during labor.

How does an Epidural work?

During labor, the uterus contracts powerfully to squeeze the baby out. These contractions are the main cause for the labor pain. The labor commences, when the uterus begins to contract and the cervix starts to open to make way for the baby to come out. During labor, the pain from uterus contractions travels from the uterus to the brain through the nerves of the backbone or spine.

An epidural works as a regional anesthesia. When an epidural is injected near the spinal cord in the spinal canal, the anesthetic drug causes a feeling of numbness in the abdominal, genital and pelvic areas. The loss of sensation in these parts blocks those intensifying sensations and prevents the transmission of pain sensations to the brain. Thus, an epidural during the labor ensures the process of childbirth is successful with no pain.

Painless Delivery Procedure:

The procedure of a painless delivery is similar to that of a normal delivery procedure except receiving the epidural to ease labor pains. But, as every woman wants to be sure about each and everything when she is planning for her baby’s birth; here is the complete procedure of painless delivery. Before the active labor begins and prior to the procedure of placing the epidural, the woman will be given intravenous (IV) fluids. In general, a woman may receive around 1 – 2 liters of IV fluids throughout her labor and delivery.

To start the epidural procedure, your anesthetist may ask you to arch your back and remain still either by bending over a pillow, or lying on your side or sitting up. This position makes it easier to insert the needle into the right place and increases the effectiveness of the epidural. Your lower back will be wiped with an antiseptic solution in order to minimize the chances of infection. Then, a small amount of a local anesthetic will be injected on your lower back to numb the area. A small tube, called a catheter is then threaded through the needle into the epidural space. An epidural space is an area between the bones of the spine and around the spinal nerves.

The needle is then removed carefully while leaving the catheter in place to provide the anesthetic either through injections at regular intervals or by continuous infusion. The catheter will be taped to prevent it from slipping out. After giving the epidural, it takes between 5 and 30 minutes to be relieved from the labor pain.

Advantages of Painless Delivery:

Women can have a normal delivery almost without any pain and will be conscious which enables them to see the process of delivery.

• Pain during labour induces the secretion of stress hormones in the mother that distresses the baby and mother as well. This doesn’t happen in painless deliveries.
• The duration of the delivery can be significantly decreased.
• Keeps blood pressure, pulse rate and heartbeat under control.
• It is easy to perform a c-section if needed in an emergency.
• Prevents damage of pelvic muscles that may occur during a normal delivery.

FAQs about Painless Delivery

Painless delivery is a choice for most of the women who think “how to make normal delivery less painful?”. No matter how much women are aware of the procedure of painless delivery, they still have a lot of questions in their minds. So here are some common questions about painless delivery to clear their suspicions and ease their stress.

When is the right time to get an Epidural?

The right time to get an epidural is during the active phase of the labor, i.e., when the cervix is dilated to at least 4 – 5 cms. Most of the women think to wait until they reach a stage when the pain is unbearable to receive an epidural. But, it is always better to get an epidural before reaching the pain point, because a woman must be able to sit still in order to receive an epidural. Otherwise, it makes it difficult for an anesthesiologist to place the catheter safely as it might not be possible for a woman to sit still while she is experiencing the labor pains.

Are epidurals used for delivery safe?

Epidurals are safe and do not have any negative effects on the baby or on the labor process when administered carefully by experienced anesthesiologists. Though there are some side effects of epidurals, they are temporary and can be treated with proper medications. While severe complications exist in rare conditions, they are caused as a result of improper placement of the epidural catheter or lack of expertise.

How long does an epidural last?

An epidural can last for quite a long time, as long as the catheter is in place and the woman receives the medication through it. But, a woman stops receiving the medication once her baby is delivered and the catheter is pulled out. In general, it takes around two to four hours for the numbness to wear off based on the dosage.

Does it hurt when the catheter for an epidural is being placed?

Placing a catheter is not painful. A woman receives a local anesthesia on her back prior to catheter insertion which makes the skin numb. Women may feel some pressure and push in their lower back but nothing like a sharp pain while the catheter is being placed. If they feel any sharp pain, they can let their anesthesiologist know and can get more anesthesia to ease the pain.