All you need to know about Painless delivery

By Ujala Cygnus

Reviewed by : Jalaz Jain

January 27, 2023

Overview

Painless delivery or delivery with labour analgesia is a particular type of technology that uses an epidural drug to reduce pain during childbirth. Before the normal delivery, an anesthesiologist gives an epidural injection that reduces the labour pain and makes it easier for the patient to have a virtually painless delivery.

Who Are the Best Candidates for Painless Delivery?

The following conditions make a good candidate for painless delivery:

Women with pre-existing medical conditions

Women who want normal delivery after cesarean delivery

A case of complicated labour in the past

Individuals who wish to have less labour pain during delivery

Who Should Not Consider Painless Delivery?

The following does not make a good candidate for painless delivery:

Women with a bleeding disorder

Women with a skin infection in the epidural region

Women diagnosed with neurological disease

Taking blood-thinning medications

Low platelet count

Heavy bleeding

How to Prepare for Painless Delivery

Just like any other normal delivery, patients are required to make some preparations for painless delivery. It is essential to talk to your doctor about the usage of an epidural, its benefits and potential risks in advance. The doctor will advise certain practices for pushing with an epidural. Moreover, the doctor will also conduct some tests to determine whether the usage of an epidural is safe for the patient or not. Apart from this, the doctor may suggest the following to prepare for painless delivery

Physical examination

Certain lab tests

Avoid taking blood-thinning medicines

Take proper rest

Wear loose clothing while going to the hospital

Take proper diet

Stay active and do prenatal yoga if possible

How Painless Delivery Is Done?

Before the painless delivery, the doctor will give intravenous or iV fluid fluids. Next, the patient is asked to arch her back and remains still while sitting up. The posture helps to increase the efficiency of the epidural injection. The doctor then cleans the lower back area and inserts a catheter into the epidural space — a space between vertebrae and the membrane that covers the spinal cord. The doctor then administers the epidural drug into the area that numbs the pain. It usually takes 10 to 30 minutes for the pain to be relieved by the epidural. Depending upon the condition, the doctor may give various types of epidural, including:

This combination of analgesics and anaesthetics is given via a tiny tube in the lower back.

This single shot relieves the pain and is inserted directly into the spinal cord. This type of epidural is generally given in C-section delivery.

This is a combination of the above epidural and spinal blocks. It is also known as a walking epidural.

Possible Complications

Epidural is generally considered a safe option for both mother and baby during normal delivery. However, just like with any other surgery, there are chances of some complications, including:

Backache

Dizziness

Shivering

Decrease in blood pressure of mother

Severe headaches due to leakage of fluid in the spine

Nerve damage

Difficulty in urinating

Labour may take longer

Taking Care of Yourself After Surgery

Recovery from painless delivery may take a while. You may experience sore breasts, constipation, hot and cold flashes, urinary or faecal incontinence, and more. Your doctor will provide detailed post-operative instructions for a speedy recovery. These may include:

Avoid strenuous activities for at least six weeks

Continue sitz baths for some time

Sit on a comfortable surface rather than a hard surface

Do light exercise

Use stool softener to avoid constipation

Avoid sexual relations for at least six weeks

Shower daily

Maintain proper hygiene of the genital area

Avoid alcohol or smoking for a few weeks.

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