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.
This method of anesthesia deadens pain in limited areas of your body but allows you to remain awake to help your baby come into the world. With regional anesthesia, you and your baby are generally not as subject to the bad effects associated with general anesthesia. You should discuss any risks with your doctor. Your physical condition, that of the baby, your progress in labor, and your desire to participate in the delivery will help you and your doctor decide which, if any, anesthetic you are going to use. There are a number of different techniques used to administer the anesthetic.