Labor pain is not only an unpleasant mental experience, but one of the most important factors that may negatively affect the course of labor and the well-being of the fetus. Over the years, many techniques for relieving labor pain have been developed, ranging from non-pharmacological (acupuncture, TENS, hypnosis...), through opioids and aeriform anesthetics, to regional analgesia techniques. Numerous studies and meta-analyzes prove that central blockades are the gold standard of labor analgesia and debunk the myths that these blockages are negatively limited to the course of labor. In the light of recent studies, the claim that epidural analgesia increases the risk of termination by caesarean section should be rejected. It has also been proven that central blockades do not lower the child's APGAR score. Feeling, an indication to use a central block during labor, should be a subjective intolerance to pain and the wishes of the mother in labor. The review presents the directions of development and the current state of knowledge of modern medicine regarding various anesthesia techniques, their safety for the mother, fetus and newborn, as well as practical tips to increase the satisfaction of the mother in labor.
Keywords: anaesthesia; epidural analgesia; partus; vaginal birth.