Abstract
Author(s): Anna Fuchs (AD), Iwona Czech (BDEF), Piotr Fuchs (BDE), MiÅosz Lorek (DE), Dominika Tobolska (DF), Jerzy Sikora (AE), Violetta Skrzypulec-Plinta (AD), Agnieszka Drosdzol-Cop (AE)
Childbirth is one of the most painful events that a woman is likely to experience. Although various methods of pain management are available, it is still unknown which attitude is better: pharmacological or nonpharmacological. Labor pain is different from other types of pain. It has different gradation and intensity. In addition, the parturient expects that it will pass soon after giving birth. Currently, the most frequently chosen labor pain relief method is neuraxial blockade. Other pharmacological options are inhaled analgesia and intravenous analgesia. Various nonpharmacological methods, such as water birth and water immersion, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), acupuncture, massage, breathing techniques and music therapy, should also be taken into consideration. The aim of this work is to analyze and compare currently accessible labor pain relief methods.