Combined or Walking Epidural as Labor Pain Medication
What it does: A relatively new technique, the "walking epidural" blocks pain nerves but not motor nerves. It provides the rapid pain relief of a spinal block and the continuous relief of an epidural. It works fast — pain subsides within two minutes — and in some hospitals, you can regulate your own dosage.

When it's used: A walking epidural is administered similarly to an epidural, and lasts as long as baby's delivery, supplying a continuous infusion of medication as needed.

How it's given: It's usually administered as a two-injection procedure, the first injection being about half the usual epidural dose. Further injections are given only as needed, reducing the total amount of drug used.

Pros:

• Maternal blood pressure usually doesn't drop.
• Since less medication is delivered, less is absorbed by the baby.
• The use of a thin needle reduces risk of headache.
• This method reduces risk of long-term backache and need for forceps delivery.

Cons:

• It can cause dizziness so you may not feel like walking around.

General Anesthesia as Labor Pain Medication
What it does: General anesthetics are medications that make you lose consciousness. When used during childbirth, the mother will not be awake or feel any pain during delivery.

When it's used: General anesthesia is used only for emergencies. It is not used to relieve the pain of labor. It may be used for cesarean delivery or other urgent situations.

How it's given: These drugs are given through a face mask or injected through an IV line. Once the drug is given, it works very quickly.

Pros:

• You'll feel no pain and be unaware of labor or delivery distress.

Cons:

• It may cause nausea and vomiting.
• It depresses your central nervous system.
• You blood pressure may drop.
• The drug may cross the placenta to the baby.
• Forceps may become necessary for delivery.
• Grogginess may make it difficult to hold and bond with your baby right after delivery.

Source: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG); American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA); American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA)

The information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's condition.

Content courtesy of American Baby.