What are the pluses and minuses of using anesthetics during childbirth? What does the research indicate about the impact on mother and child?

What will be an ideal response?

First, this is a private decision that should be left up to the person experiencing the labor–the mother. That in mind, however, we must also remember that anesthetics do cross through the placenta and can affect the unborn child. How much effect there is and how long these effects might last depends on various factors including: (1) what substances are used, and (2) how much of the substances are used. Some women report greater dissatisfaction with the birthing process after having made the decision to be sedated. Whether these anesthetics have long-term effects on the child are mixed. Low doses do appear to make the baby less alert. Larger doses are suggested to cause a lag in motor development and cognitive functioning at least through seven years of age. The best advice is to use any of these substances with caution and only if it is felt that they are necessary.