A 35 year old pregnant female at 40 weeks gestational age presents with pain and regular uterine contractions every 4-5 min. On arrival,the patient is in lot of pain and requesting relief immediately. Her cervix is 5cm dilated. What is the most appropriate method of pain control for this patient?: (A) Intramuscular morphine, (B) Pudendal block, (C) Local block, (D) Epidural block
Answer is D. When complete relief of pain is needed throughout labour,epidural analgesia is safest and simplest. Ref: Williams Obs 24e pg 513 .