ABSTRACT
The options for pain relief in labour are numerous and the decision as to which to use should be the woman's. Every individual will manage the discomfort of labour differently and may change their minds at any point as labour progresses. It is highly possible that more than one of the options listed below are selected. Other women, however, may opt to have a completely natural birth. The role of the midwife is therefore to support and guide the woman using appropriate information and administering where possible the method of choice.
