What options for pain Medications are there during Labor?

Question

This is my first baby.

I'm not sure exactly what my options are for the different medications.

I am 32 weeks 3 days, I just want to make sure I'm ready for what is coming.

If anyone can help out a new Mommy to be that would be great.

Thanks

Answer 1

Demerol or Stadol, which can leave the baby and yourself limp, sleepy and inactive or unable to feed after birth.

Epidural (needle in the spine) which numbs you from the waist down.  It sometimes does not work and it can alter the baby's heartbeat.  There are some risks.

Other than that, there's hypnosis, breathing, water births.

You should talk to your doctor and research the risks.