In early labor, sedatives may be used to help the mother relax.
Narcotics can decrease pain in active labor.
Both can have short-term effects on the infant, and are not recommended when the baby is premature, or shows fetal distress. In an epidural, a small tube is placed in the outer covering of the spinal cord, so medication can be injected during labor and delivery. Another method called a spinal block employs an anesthesia during delivery that affects either the lower half of the body, or just the vaginal area. This method is usually quite safe. General anesthesia is rarely used, except for emergency C-sections.