Physiology of labor -- Anatomo-physiological changes during labor and after delivery -- Labor pain -- Sociology of labor pain -- History of labor pain relief -- Antenatal consultation, maternal information, expectations and satisfaction -- Initiation of labor analgesia: epidural, CSE -- Maintenance of labor analgesia -- Analgesia during second & third stage, episiotomy, episiotomy repair -- Maternal and fetal monitoring during neuraxial labor analgesia -- Nutrition and fluid balance during labor; maternal optimization and fetal resuscitation -- Analgesia for dystocia and instrumental delivery -- Analgesia for induced labor and vaginal birth after cesarean section -- Extension of epidural block for cesarean section -- Postpartum analgesia and postpartum chronic pain -- Effects on neonate and breastfeeding -- Neonatal care in labor and delivery room -- Technical problems and their solutions -- Anti-coagulated parturient and neuraxial analgesia -- Complications of neuraxial analgesia -- Evidence based medicine and labor analgesia -- Ethics -- Teaching labor analgesia and simulation -- Humanization of labor and epidural analgesia -- Medico-legal issues in labor analgesia.

This book offers an in-depth examination of labor pain and analgesia with the aim of promoting natural childbirth without pain. All aspects of the subject are covered, including the latest techniques of delivering labor analgesia. Importantly, emphasis is placed on a holistic approach, detailed attention being paid to the humanization of childbirth and behavioral aspects in addition to evidence-based medicine. Potential future developments are also addressed, with discussion of opportunities that have yet to be realized. In order to ensure that the text is easily readable for trainees as well as established practitioners, chapters have been restricted to a manageable length and information is presented clearly and succinctly. Step-by-step tutorials and boxes highlighting practical points are used to clarify technical aspects. The authors include both well-established experts and young emerging professionals from various European countries, ensuring an intercultural perspective.