The other pain relief options include gaseous nitrous oxide (Entonox) and intramuscular opioid injection.
Entonox will make you feel a bit high and takes the edge of the contractions but you will still feel the contractions distinctly.
The injection is more effective than Entonox and is sedating. It lasts for about 3-4 hours. If given too close to the point of delivery it might cause some respiratory depression in the newborn but this is generally rare.
Epidural is the most effective method of pain relief. It is generally administered once you are in active labour and will last all the way through until after delivery when the suturing is completed.
