Childbirth and Pain Relief: An Anesthesiologist Explains Your Options »

Written to help the expectant mother sort through the different anesthesia (total pain block) and analgesia (partial pain block) options that are available today, this book empowers women to make informed choices regarding pain relief in childbirth. It describes the recent and dramatic changes in pain relief options including new medications, and the role of anesthesiologists who are continuously creating ways to improve pain relief for labor and delivery to give expectant mothers some control during the delivery process. This book looks at the advantages and disadvantages of anesthesia and pain medications, covers the physiological changes experienced by the expectant mother as they relate to pain relief, and details natural childbirth options.

Author Biography: Sanjay Datta, M.D., is director of obstetric anesthesia at Brigham & Women's Hospital and a professor of anesthesia at Harvard Medical School. He lives in Newton, Massachusetts.