• Local anaesthesia

Local infiltration - This series of local injections can make you more comfortable for delivery and for the placement of sutures if you need  them.

•  Sedation

Narcotics or tranquilizers - Administered as an injection or intravenously, narcotics or tranquilizers can help reduce the pain of  labor but will not eliminate the pain entirely. They are also used to ease the anxiety that sometimes accompanies the delivery  process.

•  Regional anaesthesia

Pudendal block - Administered as injections of local anaesthetics to numb the vaginal area in preparation for delivery.

•  Epidural -

An epidural is a local anaesthetic delivered through a tiny tube called a catheter placed in the small of the back,  just outside the spinal canal. An advantage of the epidural is that it allows most women to fully participate in the birth  experience continue to feel touch and pressure) while relieving most, if not all, of the pains of labor. In most cases, the anaesthetist will start the epidural when cervical dilation is four to five centimeters. Under certain circumstances, it may be desirable to place the epidural earlier.

•  Spinal (intrathecal) -

This anaesthetic is similar to an epidural, but because it is administered with a needle into the spinal canal, its effects are felt much faster. You may feel numb and need assistance in moving during the delivery. Spinal anaesthetics are sometimes used for delivery by cesarean section or when the use of forceps is indicated. Epidurals or spinals cannot be used if the patient: uses blood thinners or has a bleeding tendency; is hemorrhaging or in shock; has an infection in the back or the blood; has an unusual anatomic condition or spinal abnormality; or if time is of the essence

 • General anaesthesia:

General anaesthesia is administered by giving anaesthetic drugs intravenously and having the patient breathe anaesthetic gases. A general anaesthetic may be necessary if complications arise during delivery. General anaesthetics can be administered quickly, so they're considered the best choice when time is of the essence. Also, general anaesthesia enables the uterus to relax if your obstetrical provider finds it necessary

What your anaesthetist should know

In order for your anaesthetist to determine which type of anaesthesia is best for you and your baby, it is important that you inform your anaesthetist about:
     •  Food and drink intake for the last several hours.
     •  History of difficulty breathing after anaesthesia.
     •  History of lower back problems.
     •  Family history of high fevers.
     •  Any respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, or if you have a cold, sore throat or flu.      •  Special medical concerns such as cardiac disease, diabetes, asthma, and other medical conditions
If you are a woman with any of these conditions, it is especially important that you meet with an anaesthesiologists. 

  "Will I remember everything?"
  "Will it affect my baby?"
  "Will I be able to breast feed?"

These are some of the questions frequently asked by pregnant  women about the use of anaesthesia in labor and delivery. Because no two women experience pain or react to drugs in quite the same  way, and because different anaesthetic techniques have different effects, the answers to these questions will vary. There is no ideal anaesthesia for everyone. This makes it very important for you to be informed, anc discuss your options with your anaesthetist, The purpose of anaesthesia is to help you have the most positive birth experience possible. Anaesthesia should not hinder you from enjoying your baby as soon as possible after delivery. You should be able to   bond with and breast feed your baby, if you so desire. The better prepared you are before labor and delivery, the more rewarding the entire birth experience will be for you