The control of pain in labour

Abstract

Summary This paper examines a selection of the recent literature on the control of pain in labour in terms of the source of that control and its effectiveness. Emphasis is given to the effect of analgesia on the mother's ability to control her childbirth experience. Reliable research detailing the effects of more commonly used, less invasive methods of pain control is lacking. The effects of analgesia are considered in terms of controlling pain, effects on the fetus/baby, effects on the progress of labour and the woman's ability to maintain self control. There are difficulties inherent in providing the mother with suitably wide‐ranging information. To have the most benefit, research‐based information would need to be available to the mother when she is both seeking it and able to utilize it.