Labour and how you experience labour pain is very individual. It’s important to consider your pain relief options and make a plan for how you intend to manage your labour. The most common medical pain relief options are: Epidural anaesthesia. An epidural is a type of anaesthesia administered into the lining of the spinal cord. Epidural injections make you feel numb from the waist down and allow you to stay awake during your baby’s birth. Epidural anaesthesia is very effective and low risk. You can read more about the benefits and side effects of epidurals on our blog. Nitrous oxide. Commonly called “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is used to control moderate pain. Nitrous oxide won’t stop the pain entirely, but it allows you to self-administer pain relief whenever you feel the need. Pethidine. Pethidine is a strong pain medication that is related to morphine. It can be injected into a muscle or administered intravenously. Pethidine is not effective for all mothers, and it may affect your baby if multiple doses are given. The most common non-medical pain relief options are: TENS machines. Trans-Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) machines transmit small electrical pulses into the body. This stimulates the nerves and may relieve your pain. Water injections. Midwives can administer sterile water injections in the lower back just beneath the skin. These are effective in controlling the lower back pain many women experience throughout labour. You can further manage pain during labour by exercising and staying fit, discussing labour with your doctor so you know what to expect, practising breathing techniques, and using distractions such as music to take your mind off the pain.