Every woman in labor shall have the right to receive effective analgesia if she so wishes. Management of labor pains should strive for individuality according to the mother's wishes, even if they are changing. The effect of epidural and spinal anesthesia is unmatched in pain management. Anesthesia may be given when labor is clearly under way, and can be continued even at the expulsive stage. With contemporary drug mixtures it is possible to carry on with the anesthesia throughout the delivery without significantly affecting its course.