Expect the unexpected

Labor and delivery can be unpredictable. Labor pain might be more intense than you expected, or it might hurt in a different way. Even if you have a plan for managing labor pain, you might change it as labor progresses — or your labor might prompt your health care provider to suggest a pain relief option that wasn't in your original plan.

Keep in mind that birth isn't a test of endurance. You won't have failed if you ask for pain relief. One thing is certain: The more you learn about options for managing labor pain, the more prepared you'll be to handle labor — however it unfolds.