Pain-free labour: Karnataka government hospitals to roll out options for relief | Bengaluru News

Bengaluru: To address the rising rates of C-sections in Karnataka, which account for nearly 47% of institutional births, the health department plans to introduce pain-management (labour analgesia) options such as epidural injections and nitrous oxide in govt hospitals. Officials believe that alleviating the fear of pain during childbirth will encourage more mothers to opt for natural deliveries, thereby reducing the risks associated with surgical births and lowering maternal mortality rates.

An epidural is a form of regional anaesthesia injected into the lower back, which numbs contractions and alleviates birthing pain while keeping the mother awake. Nitrous oxide, a combination of gas and oxygen, provides mild pain relief and reduces anxiety during labour, allowing mothers to stay mobile and alert.This initiative follows a pilot study conducted in Tumakuru, which found that C-section rates significantly exceed the recommended levels. Fear and the perception of pain are major factors discouraging natural childbirth. “From the study, which analysed a few hundred cases, we learned that C-section rates are higher than they should be. We hope that the new pain management techniques will help alleviate mothers’ fear of pain,” said Harsh Gupta, principal secretary of the health department.“Implementing epidurals will require additional expert anaesthetists, and we are currently figuring out how to allocate human resources for that. On the other hand, nitrous oxide can be self-administered during contractions,” Gupta added. The department is also consulting experts on birthing positions and plans to introduce water births, music therapy, and aromatherapy — already available at Vani Vilas Hospital — across other govt facilities.In Karnataka, 47% of institutional deliveries in 2024–25 were C-sections. The govt views this as a major contributor to maternal mortality. “Higher C-section rates also increase the risk of complications such as sepsis, oxygen deprivation to the baby, and ultimately, maternal mortality rates. Some experts have informed us that mothers often choose elective C-sections for perceived safety. Studies indicate that immunity levels are lower in babies born by C-section compared to those born via natural delivery. We are adding this information to the surgery consent form so mothers can make informed decisions,” Gupta explained.Based on the findings from the pilot study, the department is training medical staff to promote vaginal deliveries, even for mothers who have had a previous C-section. In phases, nurses and midwives will also be trained to encourage a healthy diet, exercise, and yoga during pregnancy.PHOTO Quotes“Stories about labour pain they hear from their mothers and grandmothers, along with the fear of pain during labour, lead women to opt for C-sections, as the duration of labour can be anywhere between 14–15 hours in the case of the first birth and 50% of that during the subsequent births. Labour analgesia will not only relieve women of the pain but also encourage youngsters to go for a natural delivery.”Dr Pranathi Aravind, senior consultant, dept of obstetrics and gynaecology, Gleneagles BGS Hospital “While labour analgesia can definitely improve the quality of the birthing experience for the women, with epidurals, the govt will also have to factor in the expenditure that is required to recruit expert anaesthetists who can administer the injection. With nitrous oxide, on the other hand, its availability itself is an issue. Counselling pregnant women, creating a comfortable birthing experience by providing a birthing companion, and ensuring the availability of doctors should also be priorities now.“Dr Madhva Prasad, associate professor, dept of OBG, St John’s Hospital