You have several pain management options for labor and birth. The availability of specific methods may vary depending on where you give birth and your care provider. Plus, different methods are used during different stages of labor with varying levels of effectiveness. There are separate episodes on epidurals and nitrous oxide, the two most popular methods used during labor and birth. This episode covers transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS), intravenous pain medications, pudendal nerve blocks, local anesthetic injections, and touches on general anesthesia. If you are interested in utilizing any of these methods or have questions about them, please have a more in-depth conversation about the benefits and risks with your doctor or midwife.

You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.

For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.