Painless Delivery

What is Painless Delivery
The Process of Painless Delivery
The process of a painless delivery is similar to a normal delivery, with the addition of an epidural to significantly reduce labor pains. Expectant mothers want everything to be perfect when planning for the birth of their baby, so here is an explanation of the painless delivery process.
Once active labor begins and before the epidural is administered, the mother will receive IV fluids, typically about 1-2 liters, throughout labor and delivery.
Before administering the epidural, an anesthetist will ask the mother to assume a comfortable position to facilitate the injection and increase its effectiveness.
After cleaning the area with an antiseptic, a small amount of local anesthetic will be injected into the lower back to numb the area. A catheter will then be threaded through a needle into the epidural space, the area between the bones of the spine and around the spinal nerves.
It takes about 5 to 30 minutes for the epidural to take full effect.
Advantages
Women can opt for a normal delivery without pain while remaining conscious throughout the procedure:
- Labor pain induces the secretion of stress hormones in the mother, causing distress for both mother and child. This is not the case in painless deliveries.
- The duration of delivery is significantly decreased.
- Blood pressure, pulse rate, and heartbeat are kept under control.
- If an emergency C-section is needed, it is easier to perform.
- Painless delivery allows women to experience natural childbirth with minimal intervention, helping to reduce the number of elective C-sections in India.
- Women have the option to receive an epidural during labor if they cannot bear the pain, are exhausted from pushing, or if an emergency requires an urgent C-section.
- By alleviating pain, the mother can focus on the delivery, aiding relaxation and preventing the exhaustion and irritation many women experience during childbirth. This reduces the risk of post-partum complications.
- It helps the baby descend more easily by relaxing the pelvic and vaginal muscles.
- It also helps lower the mother’s blood pressure, which can otherwise rise to dangerous levels during labor.