A problem with an epidural block is that it can make your blood pressure drop. Low blood pressure may affect blood flow to the baby. You may also have problems pushing during delivery. Other Pain Blocks Spinal anesthesia may be used for a Cesarean section. With this anesthesia, pain relief lasts long enough for the Cesarean section to be performed.
Epidural anesthesia is used more often than spinal anesthesia for labor.
Other types of blocks used occasionally include a pudendal block. It is given through the vaginal canal and decreases pain in the birth canal itself. You still feel the contraction and tightening with pain in the uterus. Some hospitals use a paracervical block. It provides pain relief for the dilating cervix, but doesn't relieve the pain of contractions.