Labour analgesia

Description

Labour analgesia provides pain relief during childbirth while preserving maternal consciousness and cooperation. Methods include non-pharmacological (breathing techniques, hydrotherapy), systemic analgesics (opioids), regional techniques (epidural, spinal, combined spinal-epidural), and inhalational agents (nitrous oxide). Epidural analgesia is the gold standard, offering effective pain control with minimal fetal effects. Choice depends on maternal preference, stage of labour, medical condition, and resource availability. Goals include optimal pain relief, minimal side effects, preservation of uterine contractions, and safe outcomes for mother and baby.