Each has advantages and limitations. For example, while the anesthetic may relieve pain, it may also weaken the contractions and thus slow labor. Also, some anesthetic may reach the baby. Ask your doctor to explain the various methods. Epidural anesthesia consists of injections of small amounts of anesthetics near the spinal nerves several times during labor.
Caudal anesthesia consists of one or more injections near the tailbone.
Pudendal and paracervical blocks consist of injections through the walls of the vagina and near the cervix, respectively. An episiotomy is a small cut made between your vagina and anus to allow more room for the baby to be delivered. Making this cut prevents possible tearing of your tissue and is done only when necessary. A few stitches are used to close it. These stitches are absorbed during the postpartum period and do not need to be removed.