Bhavani Shankar Kodali MD
The first pain-free childbirth using regional anesthesia was reported in July of 1900. Since then, a firm and dedicated commitment of anesthesiologists and professional societies such as the 'Society of Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology (SOAP) in the last century have led to tremendous advances in regional anesthesia to provide safe pain-free delivery to requesting expectant mothers. New regional anesthesia techniques, variety of newer medications and methods of administration, and dedicated obstetric anesthesia and nursing care teams have made pain-free childbirth with regional anesthesia a safe option for expectant mothers in this century. Approximately over 2 million mothers used epidural analgesia to deliver their babies in the year 2000. Over 70% of pregnant women at our Institute opt for epidural analgesia for childbirth. The national average of epidural analgesia in the year 1992 was about 51%.
It is fortunate that in this era, pain relief during labor and delivery is an accepted part of the childbirthing process. The American College of Obstetric and Gynecology, in their committee opinion # 118, summarize pain relief during childbirth as follows: "Labor results in severe pain for many women. There is no other circumstance where it is considered acceptable for a person to experience severe pain, amenable to safe intervention, while under a physician's care. Maternal request is a sufficient justification for pain relief during labor." The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology also believes that "of the various pharmacological methods used for pain relief during labor and delivery, the lumbar epidural block is the most effective and least depressant, allowing for an alert, participating mother."
It is reiterated that you must consult your care providers and get your questions adequately answered before making final planning of your childbirth.
Definitions
Analgesia is full
or partial relief of painful sensations.
Anesthesia is usually considered to be a more intense
blockage of all sensations including muscle movement.
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