What's best?

It does not involve anything complex, simply administering you with an epidural anaesthesia once labour starts.

"What an epidural anaesthesia does is to numb the sensory nerves of the lower part of your body, yet keeping you fully awake and alert. So you don't feel any labour pain and deliver without the usual discomfort," explains Dr. Satish Tibrewala, a Mumbai based Gynaecologist.

That means you can sit or walk even when you are in labour.

Your Choice

It is purely your choice - the option of giving a pain free natural delivery.

During the counselling sessions with your gynaecologist regarding your pregnancy, you will be explained the various childbirth options best suited to you on the basis of how your pregnancy progresses.

Doctor's Recommendation

"Your gynaec will usually recommend this option on two occasions - one when you are psychologically unprepared for the immense pain which leads to anxiety and nervousness and secondly when you opt for a selective C-section to avoid the pain," informs Dr. Anita Soni, Gynaecologist & Obstetrician from Hiranandani Hospital, Mumbai.

How does it Work?

Initially the epidural is given to you in a small dose to test. If there is no problem a full dose will be injected into your epidural area.

After this your baby's heart rate and your blood pressure will be monitored continuously to make sure it is not reacting negatively. And once your cervix dilates and the baby is ready to come out you can go through the normal motion of pushing.

However, there are chances that you may require help to get the baby out such as vacuum extraction or forceps delivery.

This happens because the loss of sensation in your lower body weakens your reflex making it harder for you to push the baby out.

Side Effects

As such there are no side effects apart from the fact that your labour may prolong and can require the help of forceps or vacuum extraction which can increase the risk of wounds or tear in the vagina.

Apart from this physical side effect, it can also increase your overall pregnancy budget by few thousands. The price of epidural delivery differs from hospital to hospital.

However, remember you can go for this delivery only if you have had a normal pregnancy.

Serious complications through this procedure are however very rare.

It is one of the better options of pain free natural delivery. And delivering your baby without pain will not make the process any less natural.

However, if you are scared about the pain, a pain relief will give you a better control over your labour and delivery.