When it comes to labor, one of the most common questions expecting parents ask is: “How will I handle the pain?” The good news is—you have options. Lots of them. At Birth Boot Camp, we believe that when you understand the full range of pain management choices available, you’re better prepared to make decisions that support the kind of birth experience you want.

Let’s look at some of the most common options—both medical and non-medical—so you can get a sense of what might work best for you.

Medical Pain Management Options

Opioid Pain Medications

These medications are typically given through your IV or hep lock and are designed to take the edge off. Some common ones include Stadol, Nubain, Demerol, Fentanyl, and Remifentanil.

They don’t completely take the pain away, but they can help you relax a little — some people compare the sensation to feeling drunk or very sleepy. Everyone reacts differently: for some, it’s just enough to rest or regroup, while others don’t like how it makes them feel.

Because these drugs cross the placenta quickly, they’re usually given in small doses and only at certain points in labor. They won’t rule out an epidural if you decide you want one later — in fact, they’re sometimes used while you’re waiting for the anesthesiologist to arrive.

Advantages: Fast-acting, non-invasive, don’t cause severe or life-threatening complications, and may help you rest
Disadvantages: Temporary relief, can cause nausea or vomiting, can cause drowsiness or disorientation, can interfere with normal hormone secretion, and may affect baby’s alertness at birth

RELATED: Check out “Labor Pain” by Henci Goer* to learn more about pain management options. 

Sterile Water Injections

These aren’t commonly offered, but they can be incredibly helpful if you’re experiencing intense back labor. The provider injects small amounts of sterile water under the skin in four spots over your sacrum.

It sounds intense (and yes, it stings going in), but many people find it brings noticeable relief for up to 1–2 hours — all without medication.

Advantages: Non-medicated, can relieve back labor
Disadvantages: Stinging during injection, limited availability, short-lasting relief

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous is administered through a mask, kind of like oxygen. You hold the mask and breathe it in during contractions. It works while you’re breathing it, and wears off quickly when you stop.

It doesn’t take the pain away, but many people say it helps them stay calm or feel more in control — especially during transition or pushing. Not all hospitals or birth centers offer it, so be sure to ask during your tour or prenatal appointments.

Advantages: Quick onset and wears off fast, under your control, doesn’t appear to have adverse effects on the baby, doesn’t affect labor progress, non-invasive, keeps you mobile
Disadvantages: May cause nausea or dizziness, not effective for everyone, limited availability

Epidural

The most well-known form of pain relief during labor, an epidural involves a series of interventions — not just a needle in the back. It numbs you from the waist down and is administered by an anesthesiologist.

The mix of medications varies, but Bupivacaine and other “-caine” derivatives are commonly used. Once it’s placed, you’ll be on continuous monitoring. That typically includes a blood pressure cuff (which inflates regularly to check your pressure), an oximeter on your finger to measure oxygen levels, electronic fetal monitoring to keep track of baby’s heart rate, a contraction monitor to measure the strength and timing of contractions, the epidural line itself, and a catheter since you won’t be able to get up to go to the bathroom.

Movement will be limited, and you may need help changing positions in bed. Still, for many people, an epidural offers total pain relief and allows them to rest and feel more present during labor — especially if it’s long or intense.

Advantages: Highly effective pain relief, allows rest if labor is long
Disadvantages: Limits movement, requires multiple interventions and continuous monitoring, potential side effects (drop in blood pressure, longer pushing stage, etc.)

RELATED: Exploring Epidurals

Spinal Anesthesia 

Similar to an epidural, a spinal is a form of regional anesthesia — but instead of a catheter that continues delivering medication, it’s a single injection directly into the spinal fluid. It works fast and provides complete numbness from the chest down, which is why it’s most often used for planned cesarean births or in urgent situations where quick pain relief is needed.

The medication takes effect within minutes and typically lasts about 1–2 hours. Because there’s no ongoing line or pump, there’s no way to adjust or extend the dose. While you’ll likely experience the same type of monitoring as with an epidural (blood pressure cuff, oximeter, fetal monitoring, etc.), the spinal itself is a one-time intervention rather than continuous.

Spinals are not usually offered for vaginal births, but they’re something to be aware of in case a cesarean becomes necessary.

Advantages: Fast-acting, complete pain relief for cesarean births
Disadvantages: Limited duration, not adjustable, potential side effects (low blood pressure, itching, spinal headache)

General Anesthesia

This is rarely used, but it’s important to know about. General anesthesia is typically reserved for true emergencies when a baby needs to be born immediately, and there’s no time to place an epidural or spinal block.

Because it puts you completely to sleep, your partner won’t be allowed in the operating room, and you won’t be awake to experience your baby’s birth.

Advantages: Works quickly in emergency situations
Disadvantages: You’re not awake for the birth, longer recovery, separation from baby after birth

Non-Medical Pain Management Options

Many people are surprised to learn how effective natural comfort measures can be—not just for managing pain, but for helping labor progress and keeping you feeling calm and in control.

Movement & Positioning
Walking, changing positions, and staying off your back can make a huge difference. Gravity, movement, and upright positions can all help labor progress and ease discomfort.

Water
Laboring in a bath or shower can be deeply soothing. Warm water helps with relaxation and is often called the “midwife’s epidural.”

Massage & Counterpressure
Touch can lower anxiety, ease pain, and help you feel supported. Sustained pressure on the lower back can be especially helpful during contractions.

Breathing & Relaxation
Slow, deep belly breaths and focused relaxation techniques can help you stay calm and ride the waves of labor more comfortably. These tools are simple, free, and effective.

Hydration & Nutrition
Labor is hard work. Staying hydrated and eating light, protein-rich snacks can help you keep your energy up and feel better overall.

Support
Whether it’s your partner, a doula, or a supportive provider, having a strong team around you makes a huge difference—not just physically, but emotionally, too.

Education
It all starts here. Knowing what to expect and what’s possible gives you the confidence to make decisions in the moment. Birth Boot Camp classes go far beyond one method—we give you a full toolbox so you can choose what works for you.

RELATED: Want an Unmedicated Birth But Hate Pain? Read This!

Your Birth, Your Way

You don’t have to pick just one method. Many people combine medical options with natural techniques, or move through different tools as labor progresses. What matters most is that you know your options—and that you feel confident using them.

Want to learn more about how to prepare for labor and build your birth toolbox?

Join our online birth class and get everything you need to feel ready for your big day.

Prepare for your amazing birth HERE!

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