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Pain Management

Labor pain management is something that most pregnant moms consider. There are good options that include:

  1. Natural Pain Management
  2. Nitrous Oxide (not available everywhere)
  3. IV Pain medication
  4. Epidural pain management

Also, as 33% of families end-up having a cesarean section, it is also important to know about caesarean section pain management.

The epidural does have some important timing to consider.  You might be able to get an epidural at 7 cm, but that changes as your progress.  I share when the best time to get an epidural is.  I also share what you should expect to feel with an epidural.

I have a whole podcast episode about the pain in birth.

Be sure to check out all my articles on pain mangement:

pregnant woman in pain at the hospital

Why Labor Pain Can Feel So Different For Each Person

May 20, 2025 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Many of us feel like a certain action has a certain amount of pain associated with it. You break …

Why Labor Pain Can Feel So Different For Each PersonRead More

Category: Labor and Birth, Pain Management

pregnant woman breathing through a contraction at home

5 Simple Tips for a “Natural” Labor & Delivery

April 22, 2025 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Are you hoping to have a "natural" delivery at the hospital. Today we're going to talk about what …

5 Simple Tips for a “Natural” Labor & DeliveryRead More

Category: Labor and Birth, Pain Management, Prenatal Care, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnant woman in pain a the hospital

4 Things to Know About Birth Pains

March 24, 2025 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Pain can be really scary -- but birth pain is very different. Today, I'm going to tell you 4 things …

4 Things to Know About Birth PainsRead More

Category: Labor and Birth, Pain Management, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnant woman, doctor feeling belly.

Is an Induction More Painful than “Regular Labor”

February 24, 2025 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

If you're considering an induction, you may wonder if it's more painful than "regular" labor …

Is an Induction More Painful than “Regular Labor”Read More

Category: Labor and Birth, Pain Management, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnant woman and man in a birth class

Do You Need a Birth Class if You Plan to Get an Epidural

February 13, 2025 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

If you think that birth class is mainly to get you through the pain of labor -- do you really need …

Do You Need a Birth Class if You Plan to Get an EpiduralRead More

Category: Labor and Birth, Pain Management, Pregnancy Classes

many images of a pregnant woman in the hospital getting an epidural

Your Complete Guide to Epidurals in Labor: Everything You Need to Know

January 14, 2025 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

You're mulling over getting an epidural and you'd like more info? Well, I'm thrilled that you're …

Your Complete Guide to Epidurals in Labor: Everything You Need to KnowRead More

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Pain Management

pregnant woman using a peanut ball during labor

3 Tips to Using Movement During Labor WITH an Epidural

December 5, 2024 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

I am a huge fan of movement during birth. In fact, it's one of my 3 proven secrets. However, you may …

3 Tips to Using Movement During Labor WITH an EpiduralRead More

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Pain Management

pregnant woman in nature

How To Have A Natural Hospital Birth

November 14, 2024 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

I often hear people wanting to know how to have a "natural" birth at the hospital. It's important …

How To Have A Natural Hospital BirthRead More

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Pain Management, Pregnancy Classes, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

Epidurals During Pregnancy & Labor

May 20, 2024 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Getting an epidural during labor is a very common form of pain mangement in the US. Today I want to …

Epidurals During Pregnancy & LaborRead More

Category: Labor and Birth, Pain Management, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

concentric circles

How Many CM Do You Need to Be to Get An Epidural?

March 26, 2024 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

You're hoping to get an epidural while you're in labor -- but how far "along" do you need to be to …

How Many CM Do You Need to Be to Get An Epidural?Read More

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Pain Management, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

woman with an epidural infusing

Weird Side Effects from The Epidural That No One Talks About

February 7, 2024 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

The epidural seems to divide a lot of people. Some people love it, some hate it -- but what you …

Weird Side Effects from The Epidural That No One Talks AboutRead More

Category: Labor and Birth, Pain Management, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnant woman, hospital bed.

What to Do If You Can’t Decide if You Want an Epidural or Not?

December 11, 2023 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Not sure if you'll want an epidural or not? Honestly, you're not alone. The majority of patients …

What to Do If You Can’t Decide if You Want an Epidural or Not?Read More

Category: Pain Management, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnant woman up walking in the hospital with her nurse.

Is a “Walking Epidural” A Real Thing?

October 24, 2023 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Are you wondering if you can get a "walking epidural" -- the answer is that it DEPENDS. Some …

Is a “Walking Epidural” A Real Thing?Read More

Category: Labor and Birth, Pain Management, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

woman giving birth

Does Labor Still Hurt With an Epidural?

September 11, 2023 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

How much labor pain should you expect during labor when you have an epidural? Should you expect to …

Does Labor Still Hurt With an Epidural?Read More

Category: Labor and Birth, Pain Management, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

How Bad Does the Epidural Hurt? What to expect during placement.

August 28, 2023 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Women who plan on  vaginal birth may wonder how painful the placement and infusion of epidural …

How Bad Does the Epidural Hurt? What to expect during placement.Read More

Category: Labor and Birth, Pain Management, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

Best Time to Get an Epidural During Labor

June 10, 2023 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

When is the best time to request epidural anesthesia? Will getting it earlier or later prolong …

Best Time to Get an Epidural During LaborRead More

Category: Labor and Birth, Pain Management, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

epidural placement

Why Can’t You Get an Epidural After a Point During Childbirth?

May 31, 2023 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

You may be wanting to get an epidural, but not sure at what point you CAN'T get during childbirth …

Why Can’t You Get an Epidural After a Point During Childbirth?Read More

Category: Labor and Birth, Pain Management, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

Can I Get An Epidural at 7 Centimeters? Is it too late?

April 17, 2023 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Requesting an epidural is an important choice -- and choosing it too early or too late can have …

Can I Get An Epidural at 7 Centimeters? Is it too late?Read More

Category: Pain Management, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

epidural placement

When Can I Get a Labor Epidural?

March 7, 2023 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Many people wonder WHEN in their labor they can be given the epidural. Today we'll discuss that, as …

When Can I Get a Labor Epidural?Read More

Category: Labor and Birth, Pain Management, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

Can You Feel the Baby Coming Out With the Epidural?

February 28, 2023 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

The baby coming out is normally the most painful part of the birthing process. Will you feel the …

Can You Feel the Baby Coming Out With the Epidural?Read More

Category: Labor and Birth, Pain Management, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnant woman in pain

Can I Get an Epidural Before My Induction of Labor?

December 23, 2022 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Making the choice to get an epidural during an induction can be confusing. If you know you're going …

Can I Get an Epidural Before My Induction of Labor?Read More

Category: Hospital Routines, Induction, Labor and Birth, Pain Management, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

woman with a painful back

Can an Epidural Cause Back Problems?

August 8, 2022 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

There is a lot of discussion about whether or not epidurals cause back problems for pregnant women. …

Can an Epidural Cause Back Problems?Read More

Category: Pain Management, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

woman getting an epidural

9 Reasons TO Get an Epidural: Valid reasons to get the “happy-dural”

July 29, 2022 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

I just wrote a post on reasons to NOT get an epidural, so today I thought I'd share the reasons TO …

9 Reasons TO Get an Epidural: Valid reasons to get the “happy-dural”Read More

Category: Pain Management, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

woman with an epidural

Why Not to Get an Epidural: 10 Reasons to consider other pain management in labor

July 25, 2022 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Did you know that only about 60 percent of women in the United States actually receive epidurals for …

Why Not to Get an Epidural: 10 Reasons to consider other pain management in laborRead More

Category: Pain Management, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

Cesarean Section Anesthesia

June 7, 2022 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Your choice of cesarean section anesthsia is not too broad. There are mainly two humane choices for …

Cesarean Section AnesthesiaRead More

Category: Cesarean Section Delivery, Pain Management, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

epidural placement

Epidural vs Spinal: Which is best for you?

June 2, 2022 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

What are the differences between an epidural or spinal anesthesia? Today we're going to give into …

Epidural vs Spinal: Which is best for you?Read More

Category: Labor and Birth, Pain Management, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

What to Do When Your Epidural Doesn’t Work

May 16, 2022 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Epidurals sometimes don't work. That's right, you pay all that money, and sit up for the placement …

What to Do When Your Epidural Doesn’t WorkRead More

Category: Labor and Birth, Pain Management, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

Who Administers an Epidural

April 18, 2022 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Who puts in your epidural and what types of qualifications do they need to do so? Did you know …

Who Administers an EpiduralRead More

Category: Pain Management, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

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  • Healthy Pregnancy
    • Healthy Eating
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