In childbirth classes, you will learn pain management techniques, such as visualization and stretches. The two most popular birthing philosophies in the United States are the Lamaze technique and the Bradley method.

In the Lamaze technique, relaxation strategies, breathing exercises, distraction, and massage are taught as ways to manage pain during childbirth. The attitude toward pain relief medicines is generally neutral, encouraging women to make an informed decision about whether medicines are right for them.

The Bradley method emphasizes a “natural” childbirth, in which pain medicines are avoided unless absolutely necessary. Instead, women are encouraged to rely on the baby’s father, who is the birth coach, to help the mother relax and use deep-breathing techniques.

Spinal and epidural anesthesia are commonly used to manage labor pain. In epidural anesthesia, pain medicines that numb nerves are given through a catheter placed in the epidural space near the spinal cord. In spinal anesthesia, the medicines are injected into the spinal fluid.

In most women, these medicines almost completely relieve labor pain, but do not numb the entire body. This allows the mother to use her abdominal and leg muscle strength to push and deliver the baby when it is time. In addition, the epidural catheter can be used to give extra medicines in the event a cesarean section becomes necessary.

Pain medicines can also be administered through an intravenous (IV) catheter or through an injection into the muscle. But since these medicines can cross into the baby’s bloodstream and cause his heart rate to decrease, epidural anesthesia is often preferred.