Obstetric Anesthesia

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Anesthesiologists are doctors who develop and administer pain relief plans and usher patients safely through medical procedures — including childbirth. Norton Healthcare has the region’s only anesthesiology team dedicated exclusively to obstetrics.

The level of pain felt during labor varies depending on factors such as the size and position of the baby and strength of contractions. While some laboring mothers request little or no pain relief, others find that pain relief gives them better control.

At Norton Healthcare, we are committed to communicating all options so you can make an informed decision that’s right for you and your baby.

Pain Relief Options

We offer a wide range of effective pain management choices during childbirth, with a goal toward making your labor experience what you want it to be. Options include:

  • Epidural
  • General anesthesia (used in some emergency cesarean sections)
  • Nitrous oxide
  • Spinal block
  • Walking epidural

Our obstetric anesthesia team is on-site 24 hours a day to provide the right level of comfort.

What to Expect from Norton Women’s Care

More mothers in Louisville and Southern Indiana choose to deliver their babies at Norton Hospital or Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital than with any other hospital system in the area.

We deliver more than 8,000 babies a year. We’re close to you with more than 90 providers at more than 25 locations around Louisville and Southern Indiana. Choosing Norton Women’s Care gives you many options for how delivery day could go — all with the confidence of knowing that our obstetrics and pediatric specialists are there to help. With Norton Women’s Care you’ll find:

  • The birth experience you want. You can choose natural childbirth, a midwife, labor tub, nitrous oxide and other birthing options. We’ll recommend a C-section (cesarean section) or induced labor only if it’s medically necessary.
  • Preparation. Our specialists offer the support you need, including free Lamaze and other childbirth classesnew parent classesbreastfeeding supportchild safety classes and more.
  • Confidence and quality in care. Norton Women’s Care has been recognized as High Performing — the highest rating available — for maternity care with fewer complications and C-sections, plus breastfeeding support and other benefits.
  • The highest level (Level IV) neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Louisville and Southern Indiana at Norton Children’s Hospital, and a sophisticated Level III NICU at Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital.
  • Around-the-clock OB/GYN care at Norton Hospital and Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital emergency departments.
  • Board-certified maternal-fetal medicine specialists who can help guide you through a high-risk pregnancy, from preexisting diabetes to a fetal echocardiogram to diagnose a congenital heart defect before a baby is born.
  • Convenient access to your medical record. Communicate with your health care provider, get lab results, renew prescriptions and more through your free MyNortonChart account.

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