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To relieve pain during the second (pushing) stage of labour, an injection called a pudendal block can be given through the vaginal wall. It goes into the pudendal nerve in the pelvis. This numbs the area between the vagina and anus. It doesn't relieve the pain of contractions.
A pudendal block works fast. It's easy to give, and it doesn't affect the baby. It's given shortly before delivery. But it can't be used if the baby's head is too far down in the birth canal (vagina).
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review BoardAll Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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