02/24/2026
If you are giving birth in a hospital ask your provider if they provide these options. If they don’t ask them why not.
You’ve probably never heard of these options and it really is a shame that they are not discussed nor used during labor by more providers.
What are pudendal and paracervical blocks (PCBs)? They are local anaesthetic nerve blocks that have been used for decades for effective pain relief during labor placed by the OB/midwife not an anesthesiologist. You will also continue to have the freedom to move Mama!
Again, why don’t many women know about this AND why aren’t we demanding this from providers? 👀 It’s also pretty easy to learn according to providers who offer it.
During a paracervical block an injection of pain medicine is placed into the tissues around the cervix. It reduces the discomfort caused by contractions and the stretching of the cervix and lasts about 1 to 2 hours.
A pudendal block is given through the va**nal wall and into the pudendal nerve in the pelvis, numbing the area between the va**na and a**s (perineum) during the pushing stage of labor. It works quickly, is easily administered, and does not affect the baby, but it does not relieve the discomfort of contractions.
Some advantages of these options are: they are fairly simple and fast; do not have a blood pressure lowering effect; no post-procedure headaches; and they are safe for both mom and baby.
Some disadvantages: a pudendal can’t be used if the baby’s head is too far down in the birth canal and sometimes the baby’s heartbeat can slow down after a paracervical block is done.
Mama, do your research, compare the pros/cons of other options (i.e. epidural), and find a provider that aligns with you. Don’t settle for the bare minimum for your birth💚
