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Northwestern Women’s Health Associates, S.C
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Pain Management in Labor

Although a natural process, labor can be immensely challenging. Every woman is different in the way that she experiences the pains of labor, and each labor itself will progress in its own way. One of the important discussions to have as the birth of your baby draws near is the options you have for pain management when in labor. The physicians at Northwestern Women’s Health Associates, in Chicago, take the time needed to educate patients and discuss details of various forms of pain management so that labor is a less stressful event.

Dr. Stanley Friedell, Northwestern Women's Health Associates S.C Describing Pain Management

Considering the options

Pain management in labor does not only revolve around medication. Women have a number of options to increase relaxation and decrease physical and psychological stress during labor. In the early stages of labor, especially, breathing exercises to facilitate relaxation can be very helpful. Often, breathing exercises are accompanied by ice or heat as well as massage to the lower back.

Additional methods for relaxation and relief include:

  • Soft music
  • Walking
  • Long showers
  • Reflexology
  • Acupuncture
  • Hypnosis

As labor pains become more intense, a woman may choose to ease discomfort with specific medications. It is best to have an idea of what type of medical treatment would be most suitable before “labor day,” even if you think you will not want medication at all. Labor is a unique event and we must expect the unexpected. It is better to know which direction you want to turn should you be faced with the need for medication.

Pain management in labor may be achieved with IV medication or with regional anesthesia, also known as the epidural. Once administered, the epidural remains in place throughout the duration of labor, delivering medication to the lower spine to diminish the sensory perception of pain while allowing the mother to remain fully alert. This form of pain management is beneficial due to its capability for use in the event a cesarean section becomes necessary. It allows mom to rest, or sleep and save energy for the 2nd stage of labor. It also has the least effect on the baby, since it is not systemic. Anesthesiologists are available full time at Northwestern, if you decide you want an epidural.

Weighing the options

The best way to determine which form of pain management is best for you is to discuss the available options with your Chicago obstetrician. Consider various factors and ask the questions that will help you make an informed decision, such as how each type of pain management may affect your baby or if a certain type of pain management will inhibit you from breast feeding immediately after birth.

Northwestern Women’s Health Associates, works with Prentice Women’s Hospital at Northwestern University. The entire labor and delivery team is committed to making your birthing experience a joyful and healthy event. Call our Chicago office to meet our staff and obtain outstanding medical care.

 

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women’s healthcare, our team of experts is dedicated to providing every woman highest level of sensitive, specialized care

At Northwestern Women's Health Associates

your unique needs are our highest priority.

Making use of advanced technology and staying on the cutting edge of women’s healthcare, our team of experts is dedicated to providing every woman who visits our office with the highest level of sensitive, specialized care. At our office in Chicago, you can receive exceptional obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) services from any one of our highly skilled doctors, including Stanley Friedell, MD; Abbie Roth, MD; Regina Belmonte, MD; Sharon Wise, MD; Julianne Morton, MD; Whitney Dunn, MD; Aleena Lakhanpal, MD ; and Margaret Kistner, MD. With their combined expertise, this team of board-certified doctors at Northwestern Women's Health Associates makes it possible for you to receive efficient, personalized care from the preeminent women’s hospital in the Midwest.

Success Stories

  • 5 Star Review
    "Wonderful experience with Dr. Julianne Morton @ NW Women's Associates. I've recommended her to countless girlfriends. Being a first time mom, I went through many physical symptoms and emotions that accompany pregnancy. She is extremely thorough, patient, and has wonderful bedside manner. I felt confident going into delivery with Dr. Morton taking the lead with my delivery. Wonderful practice!"

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr. Morton is absolutely amazing. She cared for me throughout my first pregnancy and we found her to be kind and caring and straightforward - could not have asked for a better experience! Dr. Dunn ended up being on call during my delivery and she was great as well. I have always found the nurses and office staff to be friendly and on top of things - very happy with the practice!"

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  • 5 Star Review
    "I had to have a laproscopic hysterectomy done by Dr. Friedell and all went fabulously! They were very detailed in pre-op which made a lot of difference. I came out of surgery feeling great and post op I was back to work within two weeks. Everyone at the practice, at the hospital, at pre-op were incredible."

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr.Julianne Morton is amazing! I was recommended by a friend when I moved to the Chicago area and was looking for an OB-GYN. I have seen her for two years in Chicago for my yearly exam. She is beyond kind and great at what she does. Dr.Morton makes you feel very comfortable and is such an incredible doctor! I have recommended her to all of my friends as well who need a new gyno/OB-GYN."

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr. Morton is a really great doctor. She has an incredible bedside manner and makes you feel comfortable. She makes sure to ask if you have any questions and will happily answer all of them with you. Would highly recommend!"

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr. Friedell is amazing! He helped delivered my first baby and the whole process was super smooth and stress free. All the staff in the office are super friendly too. Highly recommend!"

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr Freidell is extremely knowledgeable, thorough and really cares about his patients. He is very good at getting to the root of the problem, especially with overlapping symptoms. He guided me through all my options and their implications. I will highly recommend him and his team."

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  • 5 Star Review
    "I love Dr. Belmonte. I have been going to her since 2006! She rocks!!! She is straight to the point, I love that about her. When I leave her office after seeing her I always feel great, like a just left a good friends house or something!"
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  • 5 Star Review

    "I can not tell you how wonderful my experiences have been. Dr. Sharon Wise is my doctor and she is fantastic. She is straightforward and honest about treatments and procedures. I enjoy her sense of humor, and I found her bedside manner when delivering my son to be excellent. "

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