Medically termed "labor analgesia," the most widely used method internationally involves an anesthesiologist injecting anesthetic into the epidural space around the spinal cord. This allows the mother to remain alert and mobile while experiencing significant relaxation of pelvic muscles and an 80-90% reduction in labor pain, facilitating a more comfortable delivery.
The effectiveness of painless childbirth depends on factors such as the mother's sensitivity to anesthetics, prior surgical history, the anesthesiologist's expertise, timing of administration, and technique. It demands highly skilled anesthesiologists who must be on call 24/7.
Consequently, this technique is currently offered only at major hospitals like Beijing Hospital. It provides nearly 100% pain relief, with most mothers experiencing complete freedom from pain during medication. Women often give birth while eating, drinking, and conversing cheerfully.
Epidural anesthesia requires examination by both obstetricians and anesthesiologists. It is contraindicated for those with vaginal delivery contraindications or anesthesia contraindications.Childbirth involves three stages: The first stage spans from regular contractions to full cervical dilation (approximately 10 cm), subdivided into the latent phase (until 3 cm dilation) and active phase (from 3 cm to full dilation). The second stage extends from full dilation to fetal delivery. The third stage covers delivery of the placenta following the baby.Generally, discomfort is minimal during the latent phase of the first stage. The most intense pain occurs during the active phase, which is also when pain relief is administered. Premature administration may prolong labor, while maintaining high anesthesia levels during the second stage could interfere with progress. Therefore, most hospitals in China now administer analgesic anesthesia during the active phase of the first stage.This means anesthesia is initiated when regular contractions occur and cervical dilation reaches 3 cm. It typically takes effect within minutes and is maintained until full dilation. After transitioning to the second stage, the dosage is adjusted or discontinued. Of course, clinical management follows individualized principles, tailoring medication regimens and dosages to each mother's pain sensitivity. Achieving satisfactory analgesia is not particularly difficult.
In some Chinese hospitals, the cesarean section rate exceeds 60%. Increasingly, women opt for cesarean delivery due to fear of labor pain. Such non-medical cesareans pose significant risks to both mothers and newborns. Painless childbirth, however, allows mothers to experience the joy of giving birth with ease and happiness.Clinical practice confirms that painless childbirth poses no adverse effects on the fetus. As an application of anesthetic techniques, it carries inherent anesthesia risks for the mother. However, the anesthetic dosage used in painless childbirth is only one-tenth or less of that required for cesarean section anesthesia, making its risks lower than those associated with cesarean delivery.