Intrathecal Analgesia: A procedure where an analgesic is injected into the spinal fluid in the spinal canal. It relieves labor pain in the lower half of the body without removing senstion or muscle function.
Local Anesthetic: A medication often described as a"numbing medication" that blocks all nerves to an effected part of the body, including those nerves that affect pain, touch and muscle movement.
Non-invasive: This term refers to medical procedures, such as massage or exercise, that do not enter the body. (Compare with"invasive procedures, such as injections)
Pudendal Block: A local anesthetic given as an injection in the vagina that relieves pain and feeling in the vaginal area during delivery.
Sedative: A drug that works to reduce anxiety and relax the patient.
Spinal Anesthesia: A form of anesthesia where local anesthetics are injected into the spinal fluid, relieving pain and sensation in the lower half of the body(or from the nipples to the toes in the case of a cesarian section).
systemic Analgesia: Pain relief medication that affects the whole nervous system, not just one area of the body.