At Banner Health, we offer a range of pain relief options to help make your childbirth experience as comfortable as possible. Our experienced doctors and nurses work closely with you to create a personalized pain management plan that reflects your wishes, supports your well-being and gives you confidence during labor and delivery.
Managing pain before labor
While most women experience pain during childbirth, it’s hard to know exactly how much you will feel or how it will affect your labor. The best approach is to be prepared, consider all your options, and stay flexible.
Before you even go into labor, there are steps you can take to help improve comfort during delivery:
- Maintain your health: Being in good physical condition may help lessen labor pain. Throughout your pregnancy, aim for regular exercise, a balanced diet and plenty of water. Be sure your doctor gives you the OK before starting or continuing physical activity.
- Prepare mentally and physically: Being prepared can lower anxiety, which may reduce pain. Anxiety can cause your pelvic floor and perineal muscles to tighten, making contractions feel stronger and potentially slowing labor. Consider joining a Banner Health childbirth class to learn coping strategies and what to expect.
- Build your support system: Knowing who will be with you during labor - whether your partner, family or a support person - can help you feel more at ease.
Managing pain during labor
Every woman’s labor and delivery experience is unique. Banner Health offers both non-medical and medical options for labor pain management. Availability may vary by location, so talk to your care team about what’s offered at your hospital. You can change your plan at any time during labor.
Non-medical pain relief options
- Aromatherapy: Using essential oils such as lavender, chamomile or eucalyptus may help reduce stress and promote relaxation. If you’re interested, talk to your provider about safe, high-quality oils and proper use during labor.
- Peanut ball: This peanut-shaped birthing ball is placed between your legs while lying in bed to help open the pelvis. Some women also sit or rock on the ball. Research shows peanut balls may help speed up labor.
- Virtual reality (VR): Available at select Banner Health locations, VR combines calming images and sounds to distract from pain and stimulate the release of endorphins.
- Soaking tubs: Hydrotherapy, or immersion in warm water, can help relax muscles and ease discomfort. Ask your provider if your hospital offers labor tubs.
Medical pain relief options
- Nitrous oxide: Also called laughing gas, nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a mask just before contractions. It can help dull discomfort while allowing you to move around. You can stop using it at any time.
- Epidural: One of the most effective methods for pain relief during childbirth, an epidural delivers anesthetic to the spine to numb the body from the waist down. You remain awake and alert while feeling significantly less pain. Learn more about epidurals.
Your comfort is our priority
Whatever your preferences—natural pain relief, medical options or a combination—our maternity care team is here to support you. Talk to your provider during prenatal visits about creating a pain management plan that works for you.
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