Pain Relief in Labour

Covering both the pharmacological and the more controversial non-pharmacological management of pain relief, this comprehensive text, edited by an internationally renowned specialist, provides practical guidance to all involved in this aspect of labour care. Contributors

Acknowledgements

Preface

Introduction: Labour pain and analgesia 1

Psychological methods of pain relief 17

Physical methods of pain relief 36

Inhalational analgesia 65

Systemic opioid analgesia 86

Eating in labour: Implications for analgesia 113

Neuroscientific aspects 121

Indications and contraindications 137

Effects and complications 151

Practical procedures 179

Maintenance and monitoring 209

They think it's all over 220

Index 243

Felicity Reynolds, MD, FRCA, FRCOG, is a former lecturer and head of department at St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK.