It's sensible to consider options for pain relief before labor starts, discuss what is available a few weeks in advance with your doctor and put your wishes in a birth plan. Many women like the idea of a birth with out the need for drugs, but it's good to be prepared; you can't predict how you'll react when you're in labor.

Demerol

A narcotics pain reliever given by injection. Demerol is quite strong, so you may feel sick or woozy after ward. It can also affect a baby's breathing at delivery (though this can be treated), and makes the baby drowsy and slow to respond to stimuli.

Epidural anesthetic

an epidural block prevents pain from spreading beyond the uterus by acting as a nerve block in your spine, numbing the body from the top of the abdomen down to the toes. A fine, hollow needle is inserted into the region around the spinal cord and a thin tube known as a catheter is then threaded down in side the hollow needle or go to www.baby-care-book.com the needle is removed, leaving the catheter in position. The catheter is taped firmly in place, and anesthesia is syringed down the catheter. An epidural usually takes 10-20 minutes to be set up and the anesthetic takes effect with in a few minutes. Most hospitals have 24-hour anesthesia coverage so you shouldn't have to prearrange an epidural.

Epidural

the anesthetist inserts a fine needle in to the epidural space the region around the spinal cord.

Tens

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) involves having electrodes taped to your back that connect to a stimulator. You give your self small, safe amounts of electrical current to stimulate the production of endorphins, or natural painkillers.

Birth pool

Many hospitals now have pools available for use during labor to help relieve the pain. Buoyancy helps reduce the pressure on the abdomen, making your contractions more efficient, and being in water enables you to move easily in to different positions. If you want to use a birthing pool, check early on in your pregnancy to make sure that one will be available for you. Father

Make sure you can always be contacted easily. If you have a cell phone, keep it turned on. What to take to the hospital.

A change of clothes; labor wards are very hot.

Food and drink hospital cafeterias rarely open at night.

CD player and CDs.

Camera or camcorder.

Calling card or change for a payphone, plus important numbers. (Don't use a cell phone in the hospital.) Mother

Labor can start any time from 36 weeks, so be prepared. Carry telephone numbers for your partner and your health care provider you can visit www.create-super-baby.com have your bag ready. What you need.

Your hospital notes.

A large T-shirt or short, loose night gown for labor.

You may also need a hot water bottle for backaches, bottled water and a natural sponge to suck, a water spray bottle to cool you, and a hand mirror to see your baby's head as it appears.

Socks in case you're chilly immediately after delivery.

Two front opening night gowns or pajamas, a bathrobe, and a pair of slippers.

Two packets of super sanitary pads and several pairs of cotton underpants. Some disposable underpants can also be very useful in the early days of heavy blood loss.

Properly fitted nursing bras and disposable breast pads.

Toiletries, wash cloth or sponge, and a couple of bath towels.

For your baby, you'll need stretch suits or nighttimes and T-shirts, diapers, and diaper changing equipment. You may also need a blanket or shawl for your baby.