Analgesics

During labor and childbirth, inflammation occurs in the spinal cord along with the transmission and modulation of pain signals. Activation of cyclooxygenase in glial cells results in the synthesis of prostaglandins, which play a significant role in the mediation of pain sensitization. Transmission of pain during the first stage of labor occurs at spinal cord levels T10–L1. Transmission of pain during the second stage of labor occurs at spinal cord levels S2–S4.