Non-pharmacological Methods for Relief of Labor Pain

Abstract

Properly conducted epidural analgesia is generally quite safe and effective. However, even in the absence of complications, epidural blockade can have effects on the course of labor and on the baby. Regional anesthesia can affect the fetus indirectly through alterations in uterine perfusion and directly through placental transfer of drug. These effects are discussed in Chapters 3 and 5. This chapter discusses the three most important additional phenomena: effect on the progress of labor and mode of delivery, effect on maternal temperature, and effect on breastfeeding.