Relief of pain in childbirth.

Requirements of an ideal analgesic and the use of nitrous oxide and trichlorethlene in childbirth. A pregnant woman is shown on a hospital bed and the voice-over sets the tone for this medical information film, explaining that there are four key factors in seeking analgesia in childbirth; the mother remains conscious and co-operative, that there are good uterine contractions, the method is safe for mother and baby and respiration in the baby is not repressed. Reminding the viewer of the happy outcome of labour, the mother is shown with her new baby. With the use of graphics, the action of nitrous oxide inhalation, 'gas and air', is shown. The typical composition of a cylinder and how to ascertain the contents are then shown. The operation of different machines are graphically illustrated. The use of the ICI product Trilene (trichlorethlene) is explained. Trilene is administered by trained anaesthetists as it has a number of undesirable side-effects which are illustrated. Various models and their mechanism are demonstrated. There is a sequence of ante-natal consultations with different patients to underline how important the selection of appropriate pain-relief is at this stage. The different stages of labour are explained and the appropriate application of analgesia; a happy woman is shown with her baby.