[Advantages and disadvantages of analgesia during childbirth].

Analgesia during childbirth is a right which should be at the disposal of every woman who desires it. Adequate pain control may reduce maternal anxiety and thus help make childbirth become a more satisfactory procedure. The parenteral administration of meperidine and epidural anesthesia are the most utilized types of obstetrical analgesia. Each of these two has its advantages as well as some secondary effects to bear in mind. Meperidine is very easy to administer; however, meperidine affects the degree of maternal consciousness and produces neonatal depression. On the other hand, epidural anesthesia has stronger analgesic power and does not interfere in the maternal-child relationship; however, it increases the risk of difficulties during childbirth. These secondary effects are the counterweights to consider when deciding whether or not to administer analgesia and if so, which kind.