Advantages of Painless Normal Delivery

Painless delivery, sometimes referred to as painless normal delivery, has become an exciting option for pregnant women who want a less painful and more comfortable delivery experience. Painless normal delivery benefits women by allowing them to give birth with less difficulty. 

The most commonly used technique for reducing labour discomfort is an epidural anesthetic. An epidural is a type of regional anaesthesia that blocks pain in the lower part of the body while allowing the mother to remain awake and alert. Epidural anaesthesia is preferred by almost 80% of pregnant women in developed countries. So, if you want to be better equipped to make decisions during the labour and delivery process, keep reading to learn more about natural birth with an epidural. 

What is Painless Normal Delivery and How Does it Occur?

The term "painless normal delivery" is a method that aims to eliminate pain during labour. Its purpose is to provide relief by administering certain medications that reduce pain while enabling successful pushing during delivery. This is accomplished primarily with a method known as epidural anaesthesia.

An epidural includes putting a short tube of plastic (called a catheter) in the back of the lower back, just outside the spinal cord. The pain medicine goes in through the tube with assistance from a pump device called an infusion pump, and it drips continuously for as long as the labour lasts. A couple of other crucial considerations regarding the method are:

• The epidural is most often administered at the active phase of labour, when contractions become more intense and frequent. Depending on the doctor's judgment, it could be administered earlier or later.
• For pain relief of catheter placement, doctors first administer local anesthetics to numb the area. This renders the procedure painless, and most women simply feel little pressure on insertion.
• Even with an epidural, you’ll still feel some sensations during contractions, but the pain will be significantly reduced. You’ll still be able to push effectively during delivery, although walking may not be possible depending on how your body responds to the medication.

Top Advantages of Epidural Analgesia/Painless Normal Delivery

With the right timing and medical supervision, epidural delivery can make labour less exhausting and more manageable. Here are some of the major epidural delivery advantages: 

• Relieves Pain

One of the important epidural delivery advantages is that it provides significant pain relief. Epidural anaesthesia efficiently numbs the lower half of the body by preventing pain signals from reaching the brain, which allows mothers to labour more comfortably and manageably.

• Promotes Relaxation

Epidural analgesia increases maternal relaxation by relieving the acute pain associated with childbirth. When the body is pain-free, women find it easier to stay calm and focused during the labour process. This relaxation may contribute to more efficient labour and may lessen the need for other medical interventions.

• Provides Flexibility and Control

Epidural analgesia gives women the choice of having a painless, normal delivery while maintaining some control over their birth experience. Unlike general anaesthesia, epidural anaesthesia allows women to be awake and aware during the procedure. This allows them to actively engage, make informed decisions, and be prepared for the birth of their child.

• Improves Maternal Blood Pressure

Maternal blood pressure may rise as a result of childbirth pain and stress. Epidural analgesia can help maintain blood pressure levels and lower the risk of problems associated with hypertension by efficiently managing pain. For women who already have high blood pressure or other cardiovascular disorders, they must consider the various painless childbirth pros.

• Reduces Stress on the Baby

The baby's health may be impacted by the pain and anxiety that mothers experience during childbirth. By reducing stress and tension, epidural analgesia provides a more peaceful environment for both the mother and the baby. A calm and comfortable mother is more likely to exhibit stable vital signs. Moreover, reduced pain also allows the mother to breathe more comfortably, which improves oxygen flow to the baby. 

• Facilitates Medical Interventions

In particular cases, medical interventions may be required during labour and delivery. Epidural analgesia creates a setting of safe delivery without pain that helps healthcare workers in completing procedures like episiotomy or vacuum extraction with greater ease. Epidurals provide pain relief that is beneficial in the event a cesarean section is required, allowing seamless transitions and minimising the need for general anaesthesia.

• Enhances the Birth Experience

Epidural analgesia ultimately enhances the birth experience for numerous women. By reducing pain and discomfort, it enables pregnant women to focus on the exciting aspects of childbirth, thereby enhancing the emotional bond with their newborn. A sense of control and relaxation during labour may promote a positive and empowering delivery experience, leading to lasting benefits for the mother’s well-being and postpartum recovery.

• Fast Recovery

Mothers who have painless, normal births tend to recover faster than those who have complicated and extreme labour pain. The ability to rest and recover more successfully can improve postpartum well-being. 

Also Read: Bleeding during pregnancy

Who Should Have a Natural Birth With an Epidural?

Any woman in labour who wants to relieve pain can have an epidural. However, it may not be suitable for those taking blood-thinning medications or with certain abnormal blood test results. Some patients benefit greatly from painless labour and recovery to maximise results, such as:

• When a pregnant woman has a long or complex labour due to carrying multiple babies, or if their baby is in an uncommon positions. 
• Women who want to attempt a vaginal birth after a c-section., where controlled pain relief can support a smoother process.
• Painless childbirth may also be considered if you have medical issues like preeclampsia, heart disease, or hypertension.

Ease Your Pregnancy Discomfort with Painless Natural Delivery! 

There are multiple painless normal delivery benefits for expectant mothers, such as a more comfortable and regulated childbirth experience while ensuring the safety of both the mother and the baby. However, epidural anaesthesia may not be recommended if you have low platelet counts, certain heart or spinal conditions, are on blood-thinning medications, or if your labour is progressing too quickly. Side effects like low blood pressure, headaches, or temporary numbness in the legs are possible, though uncommon.

Remember, each pregnancy is unique, and what works best for one mother may not work for another. Furthermore, it's always a good idea to share any pregnancy-related concerns with your doctor. Our Apollo specialists make it simple to keep track of everything from doctor visits to test results. Take control of your pregnancy healthcare journey and book a consultation with Apollo Spectra today!