In the third stage of labor, the placenta and membranes pass out the vaginal opening. This generally happens within 5 to 30 minutes after the baby is born. During labor your contractions may cause you much discomfort. You may request medicines to help relieve the pain. The doctor will select the most appropriate medicines taking into account how you and your baby are doing.
Analgesics are medicines that relieve pain.
They are sometimes administered by injection to help relieve the pain associated with contractions. Anesthetics are medicines that completely deaden feeling in part or all of your body. General anesthesia, which puts the patient to sleep, is rarely used today because it can cause breathing problems for the baby. In addition, general anesthesia can make you nauseated and cause you to vomit when you awaken. Regional anesthesia is used most commonly today.