Labor Analgesia (Painless Childbirth)

What Is Painless Childbirth?

Epidural birth is a method of delivery based on reducing, or even completely eliminating, the pain felt during normal vaginal birth by giving local anesthetic medication into the epidural space of the spinal canal through a thin needle inserted in the expectant mother’s lower back. It is popularly known as “princess birth.” It has many advantages as well as disadvantages. It helps the expectant mother feel almost no pain during labor and promises a comfortable birth experience. However, the reduction in pain causes the mother to lose the urge to push and reduces uterine contractions. This prolongs labor. Epidural birth can cause the first stage of labor to last more than 24 hours in women who have not given birth before and up to 18 hours in women who have given birth before; and the second stage of labor to last up to 3 hours in women who have not given birth before and up to 2 hours in women who have given birth before. In such cases, the mother and baby may begin to tire, and an assisted delivery, such as vacuum extraction and various maneuvers, may become necessary.

Why Is Painless Childbirth Preferred?

Unfortunately, normal vaginal birth has started to become a feared process today. There are various reasons for this, but it is not a fear that cannot be overcome with healthy preparation for normal vaginal birth during pregnancy. With a healthy pregnancy and mental preparation, there is no reason not to have a normal vaginal birth. As long as your doctor has not identified an additional health problem, if the expectant mother wants a normal vaginal birth, prepares herself both physically and mentally and has the full support of her family, normal vaginal birth will be, yes, a challenging but equally beautiful experience for you as an expectant mother.

Regular exercise, weight control and breathing exercises throughout pregnancy will make labor easier. Regular exercise keeps the expectant mother’s muscle strength high and makes birth easier through stronger pushing, and it will also help the mother during the postpartum recovery period and allow her to recover more easily. Likewise, not gaining too much weight during pregnancy will make it easier for the baby to progress through the birth canal during delivery.
Childbirth is a different experience for every expectant mother. Therefore, an expectant mother should never compare herself with another pregnant woman. In fact, even different pregnancies of the same woman will progress very differently from one another. So do not compare your own journey with pregnancy and birth stories you hear from different people, and do not let bad experiences you hear about from others undermine your motivation.

How Long Does Epidural Birth Take?

With an epidural birth, the first stage of labor may be prolonged to more than 24 hours for women who have not given birth before and up to 18 hours for women who have given birth before. It can cause the second stage of labor to last up to 3 hours in women who have not given birth before and up to 2 hours in women who have given birth before. During these periods, the mother and baby may begin to tire. An assisted delivery, such as vacuum extraction and various maneuvers, may become necessary.

What Are the Methods of Painless Childbirth?

Painless childbirth has become quite common in recent years. The main methods used in painless childbirth are as follows;

Epidural Anesthesia: Epidural anesthesia is one of the most commonly preferred methods of painless childbirth. Administered to the lower back by an anesthesiologist, this method helps to block sensation in the lower body and prevent pain.

Spinal Anesthesia: Spinal anesthesia works similarly to epidural anesthesia, but the medication is injected at a lower level. This provides a fast and effective pain-relieving effect.

Local Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is applied to the perineal area during birth and makes it easier to perform surgical incisions or stitches.

Hypnosis and Meditation: Some women try painless childbirth with techniques such as meditation and hypnosis. These methods require mental and emotional preparation.

Please remember that you will always get the most accurate information from your doctor. Throughout pregnancy and birth, your doctor and expert midwives will be your greatest supporters.