Local anesthesia
Local anesthesia is
injected into a specific area to relieve pain during childbirth. Local
anesthesia is administered with various drugs and dosages in the form of
epidural anesthesia and spinal block. It is also given at
the end of labor for episiotomies to relieve discomfort from perineal
stretching, and after birth to repair tears and episiotomies.
When used late in
pregnancy or after birth, drugs such as procaine, lidocaine, and tetracaine are
injected into the skin, muscle, or cervix for quick, temporary relief of
perineal pain.
Although in rare
cases, local anesthesia can be injected into the perineum when the position of
the child's head does not allow for a blockade of the genitals. This will
relieve the pain of stretching the perineum, but will not relieve the
discomfort of labor pains.
Are there any risks when using local anesthesia to relieve discomfort in
the perineum?
Studies show that there are no significant risks, with the exception of rare allergic reactions. Some believe that the injection may cause perineal tissue to swell and increase the risk of rupture unless an episiotomy is performed. However, Kegel exercises can significantly strengthen the perineum.