An operation to anaesthetise the pudendum during childbirth.
Form of regional anesthesia in which a local anesthetic agent is used to anesthesize the pudendal nerves in the region of the vulva, labia majora, and perirectal area to ease discomfort during childbirth.
An injection of anesthesia given in the vagina that relieves pain during childbirth. The injection is given shortly before delivery to block pain in the perineum, the area between the vaginal opening and the anus. The drug usually given is the anesthetic lidocaine, which is injected into the tissues surrounding the pudendal nerves, one on either side of the vagina. A pudendal block does not relieve the pain of labor and is given only to block pain that is associated with the baby’s passage through the birth canal.
This nerve block technique is employed to offer pain relief during a forceps delivery. A local anesthetic is administered into either side of the vaginal area, close to the pudendal nerve.