Pain Management During Labor & Delivery | Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates
Comprehensive women's health, every stage of life
Labor is one of the most powerful things your body will ever do, and how you experience it, including how you manage the pain that comes with it, is a deeply personal decision. At Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates, we believe there is no single correct way to give birth. Our role is to make sure you understand every option available to you, so that when the moment comes, you feel confident, prepared, and in control of your own experience.
Whether you’re hoping for an unmedicated birth, planning on an epidural from the start, or simply want to keep an open mind until you’re in the moment, we’re here to support the choice that’s right for you. To talk through your pain management options in Wellesley, call (781) 235-4000 or request an appointment online.
Why Pain Management Planning Matters in Labor and Delivery?
Every labor is different, and so is every person’s relationship with pain. Some patients know exactly what they want going in, while others prefer to stay flexible and see how they feel once labor begins. Both approaches are completely valid, and our team will work around both approaches to pain management.
What matters most to us is that you walk into your delivery room informed of every option available to you. Understanding your options ahead of time, rather than learning about them for the first time mid-contraction, can make a real difference in how supported and calm you feel throughout labor. We encourage you to bring your questions to your prenatal visits so we can build a plan that reflects your preferences, while staying flexible enough to adapt if your labor takes an unexpected turn.
Your Pain Management Options at Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates
There is a full spectrum of pain relief options available to you during labor and delivery, ranging from medication-free techniques to more involved medical treatments. We’ll walk you through each, so you can decide what feels right for you.
Non-Medical Comfort Measures
Many patients find relief and a sense of control through natural techniques, either on their own or alongside medical pain relief. These include:
- Breathing and relaxation techniques
- Movement and position changes, including walking or using a birthing ball
- Warm water, whether through a shower or a tub
- Massage and pressure from a partner or doula
- Focused breathing and visualization methods learned in childbirth classes
IV Pain Medication
In some situations, pain medication delivered through an IV may be used, particularly earlier in labor or in cases where an epidural isn’t yet appropriate. These medications can take the edge off discomfort, though they don’t eliminate pain the way an epidural does.
Nitrous Oxide
Often called “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask and can take the edge off contractions while allowing you to remain fully alert and mobile. It works quickly, wears off quickly, and gives you control over when to use it.
Epidural Anesthesia
An epidural is the most common form of medical pain relief during labor. A thin catheter is placed in the lower back, delivering medication that numbs sensation from the waist down while typically preserving your ability to feel pressure and, often, to move your legs. Most patients can receive an epidural once labor is established, and it can be adjusted throughout your delivery to match your comfort needs.
Spinal Block
Used most often for cesarean deliveries, a spinal block provides rapid, complete numbness from the waist down through a single injection, allowing for a pain-free surgical delivery while you remain awake.
What If My Plan Changes During Labor?
It’s more common than you might think for a birth plan to shift once labor actually begins, and that is never something to fear or feel discouraged about. Pain that feels manageable in theory can feel very different in practice, and there is no shame in changing your mind, whether that means requesting an epidural you weren’t originally planning on, or leaning more on natural techniques than you expected.
Our team will check in with you throughout your labor, honor your preferences, and support whatever choice feels right for you in the moment. This is your birth story, and we’re here to help you write it the way you want it told.
Why Choose Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates for Your Labor & Delivery Care?
Since 1963, we have been a trusted leader in women’s health care, and today we bring that same excellence to how we support you through labor and delivery. Our providers take the time to understand your goals, answer your questions honestly, and make sure you never feel rushed or unheard, especially during one of the most vulnerable moments of your life.
We believe that pain management isn’t just a medical decision, it’s a deeply personal one, and we treat it that way. From your prenatal visits through the moment you hold your baby, our team is committed to walking beside you with expertise, patience, and genuine care.
Talk Through Your Pain Management Options at Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates Today
If you’re expecting and want to start planning for labor and delivery, we’d love to talk it through with you. To schedule an appointment, call (781) 235-4000 or request an appointment online. Your comfort, your choices, your birth are all in your hands.
Pain Management During Labor & Delivery FAQs
Do I have to decide on my pain management plan before labor begins?
Not at all. While it’s helpful to understand your options ahead of time, many patients decide in the moment based on how they’re feeling. We’re happy to support whatever you choose – whether that decision is made months in advance or in the middle of labor itself.
Is it safe to get an epidural?
Yes, epidurals are considered very safe and are used in the majority of hospital births. Like any medical procedure, there are potential side effects, which your anesthesia team will review with you, but serious complications are rare.
Can I still move around if I get an epidural?
Many patients retain some ability to move their legs and change positions with the help of their care team, though mobility varies depending on the dose and your individual response. Although you will not be able to stand after receiving an epidural, your nurse and care team will help you change positions frequently to encourage labor to progress. The epidural will allow you to rest at times, but you will still play an active role throughout the labor and delivery process. We’ll help you understand what to expect based on your specific situation.
What if I want an unmedicated birth?
We fully support patients who wish to labor without medication. We can help you prepare with techniques, movement strategies, and other comfort measures, and our team will respect your wishes throughout your labor while remaining ready to adjust if you change your mind. We also work with a variety of different doula groups that we can recommend to provide the education and support you need for a planned, unmedicated labor and delivery.
How do I know which option is right for me?
There’s no universal right answer, it depends on your pain tolerance, your labor experience, your health history, and simply what feels right to you. We encourage you to discuss your preferences with your provider during your prenatal visits so we can build a plan tailored to you.