Intrathecal analgesia for labor.

Intrathecal analgesia is a highly effective technique for pain relief in the first stage of labor. It is a technically simple procedure that can be easily learned by family physicians currently performing diagnostic lumbar puncture. Its effectiveness, simplicity, and low incidence of serious complications make it especially applicable to the practices of physicians delivering babies in areas where continuous epidural anesthesia is not available. This article describes the procedure of intrathecal analgesia, and discusses advantages, complications, side effects, and applications.