Pain Relief Options in Labour (A quick overview)

Medical Pain Relief Options (with Honest Side Notes)

If labour becomes overwhelming or longer than expected, you might choose medical options. These are not a sign of failure—they’re simply part of the toolkit. However it’s important to know both the benefits and possible side effects so you can make an informed choice.

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1. TENS Machine

• What it is: A small device with pads that send electrical pulses to the lower back, helping to disrupt pain signals.

• When it’s used: Best in early labour or during back labour.

• Side effects or limits: Not effective in established labour. No known side effects for you or baby.

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2. Gas and Air (Entonox)

• What it is: A mix of oxygen and nitrous oxide you inhale during surges.

• When it’s used: Throughout labour, as needed.

• Possible side effects:

• Can cause light-headedness or nausea.

• May make focusing on breathing techniques trickier.

• No lasting effect on baby, wears off quickly.

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3. Opioids (e.g. Pethidine, Diamorphine)

• What it is: A narcotic pain relief injected into muscle or bloodstream.

• When it’s used: Typically during active labour, before transition.

• Possible side effects:

• Can cause drowsiness, nausea, or feeling “out of it.”

• May affect early breastfeeding—baby might be drowsy at birth.

• Slower to process for both mama and baby, which can impact bonding and skin-to-skin.

• Not ideal close to the time of birth due to lingering effects.

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4. Epidural

• What it is: A local anaesthetic injected near the spine, numbing the lower body.

• When it’s used: Usually in active labour, often in hospital settings.

• Possible side effects:

• Limited movement—you may need to remain in bed and have a catheter.

• Can prolong second stage (pushing phase), and increase chance of assisted delivery.

• May cause blood pressure drops, shivering, or headache (rare).

• Post-birth mobility can be slower to return, affecting early skin-to-skin and feeding.

• Some babies may be a little sleepier after a medicated labour, which might make breastfeeding more challenging in the first few hours.

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5. Spinal Block / Combined Spinal-Epidural

• What it is: Usually used for caesareans or very quick pain relief.

• Possible side effects:

• Similar to epidurals—may include lowered blood pressure, difficulty moving, or post-procedure headaches.

• May delay early breastfeeding if mama is numb or baby is sleepy post-birth.

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Informed Is Empowered

No option is perfect, and none of this is about “doing it right”—just doing what works for you in the moment. The more you know about how these tools might affect your body and your baby, the more confident you’ll feel if/when you need them.

Feeling informed = feeling safe. And safety helps your body labour better.