Information For My Pregnant Patients

You may have heard of many different methods and medications that may be used for labor and delivery. I think it is useful to consider all these choices as only three different options.

#1 EPIDURAL - A small amount of anesthetic medicine is injected into the "epidural space" which surrounds the spine (not into the spine,) by an anesthesiologist. This is the most effective safe pain relief method available. It is usually given when the patient is about 4 centimeters dilated and in "active labor". Prior arrangements for a epidural should be made about a month before your due date with the anesthesia doctors' business office.

#2 "NATURAL CHILDBIRTH" - I have lots of experience with "natural childbirth" and I am supportive of those who chose this method. However, you should know that those who are planning to have natural childbirth for the first time change their mind during labor more than half the time.
Therefore we recommend contacting the anesthesiologists' business office to have the option of an epidural available to you if you should desire one.

#3 ALL OTHERS - Other methods of pain relief are in general less effective or less safe than an epidural. There are some unusual circumstances where other methods are appropriate and if I recommend these, I will discuss them with you at the time.

Of course, if you would like additional detail or information about any method I will be happy to discuss this with you any time.

Anesthesia Business Offices:

Mercy Health Center
Affiliated Anesthesiologists, Inc.
755-1080