Breathing exercises and relaxation techniques such as playing favourite music often help. However, some women need medical help to control the pain. Pain can be lessened by the injection of morphine or demerol. These medications will allow for relaxation, especially between painful contractions. Because these medications can make the baby sleepy when he or she is born, they are not recommended if the baby will be born soon.
Epidural analgesia is the most effective method of providing pain relief in labour.
An anesthetist inserts a small plastic tube into the mother's back, and a mixture of local anesthetic freezing drugs and a powerful painkiller is injected. By using a pump, a slow continual stream of these medications runs into the mother's back and gives pain relief. While this is generally very safe, and has been used at O.S.M.H. for many years without serious problems, we need to inform you of the possible risks and complications. Your blood pressure may drop. Other studies have not confirmed this.