Painless Normal Delivery with Epidural: A Complete Guide

Painless Delivery: What, Why, and How?

It is said that a woman's labor pain is equivalent to breaking 56 bones in the body at once. Labor pain cannot be compared to any other pain. In the current era, most women are terrified of this pain. As a result, despite having additional health risks, many prefer to avoid normal delivery and opt for a C-section to deliver their baby.

According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, the rate of C-section deliveries in the USA was 20.7% in 1995-96, which rose to 32.2% by 2014-15. In Bangladesh, the current rate of C-section deliveries is about 45%, the primary reason being women's fear of labor pain.

However, doctors and scientists worldwide have brought a message of relief for women. With the proper implementation of technology in medical science, painless delivery is now possible. In developed countries, deliveries are already happening without surgery, which is safe and painless. The Epidural method is one of these groundbreaking techniques. It is essentially a process similar to normal delivery, but without the pain.

In this method, medication is typically administered in the spine (similar to a C-section) to keep the mother pain-free during delivery. The entire process is monitored by an automated computer system. During this time, the mother can walk, talk, and even eat light food. She can also feel the baby's movements.

When pain relief medication is used this way, there is no risk of it passing from the mother to the baby's bloodstream, nor are there any side effects. Using this method provides rapid and long-lasting pain relief. Even if surgery becomes necessary, anesthesia can be administered quickly. Furthermore, after a normal delivery, the mother can immediately breastfeed the newborn.

For a painless normal delivery, it is essential to have state-of-the-art pre-delivery, delivery, and post-delivery facilities, a synchronized and experienced labor and anesthesia team, close monitoring, and emergency medical facilities. Only then can a healthy and safe delivery be guaranteed. The medication used in this method is known as Epidural Anesthesia. It is administered by inserting a small catheter into the spine.

It is somewhat similar to the spinal anesthesia used during a C-section, but this entire procedure requires special training. Additionally, a world-class NICU for newborn intensive care and an infection control protocol ensure a risk-free delivery.

Compared to previous years, Bangladesh has now made significant technological progress. The health and medical sector is not lagging behind either. With advanced technology, experienced doctors, and modern medical equipment, world-class healthcare is now available within the country. Evercare Hospital Chattogram, the largest hospital in the port city, is a prime example. This hospital has all the facilities to provide world-class healthcare services. Therefore, do not be terrified of labor pain; instead, be exuberant in the blessing of motherhood.

Dr. Shanjida Kabir
MBBS, MCPS, FCPS, MRCOG (UK)
Senior Consultant - Obstetrics and Gynaecology