Many books are written for the public about labor and its medical management. These go into more detail about aspects of anesthesia.

Also, your obstetrical care provider can often answer specific questions during routine prenatal visits, which is a good time to discuss future labor pain management plans.

Finally, the MAC team of anesthesiologists will address any and all questions that a laboring woman and her significant other may have. This opportunity typically occurs at the time of the anesthesiology consultation, when admitted to the hospital in labor.

Pre-labor anesthesiology consultation also can be arranged, especially for a pregnant woman with a high-risk condition or other special anesthesia-related concerns.

For more information, visit Society for Obstetrical Anesthesia & Perinatology.