(MayoClinic.com) Labor is a natural — although challenging — process. No two women have the same degree of labor pain, and no two labors are exactly alike. Ultimately, you need to choose the pain relief option that's right for you.

The best approach to labor pain relief depends on your preferences and on how your labor progresses. Sometimes, you won't know what kind of pain relief you want until you're in labor. Still, it's a good idea to think about your options for managing labor pain ahead of time. Find out what's available at your hospital or birthing center, and discuss your preferences with your health care provider.

There are many ways to ease and control labor pain. Relaxation exercises, breathing techniques and frequent changes of position often help — particularly in the early stages of labor. Your partner or labor coach can massage or firmly press on your lower back, or apply ice packs or heat to your lower back. Other options include playing music and taking a shower or bath.

As labor progresses — and contractions become stronger and more frequent — many women add medication to their arsenal of pain relief options. Epidural and spinal blocks, for instance, temporarily block pain in the lower body.

Nontraditional options for managing labor pain may include hypnosis, water immersion, acupuncture or reflexology. None of these techniques stops the pain of contractions, but they may help you feel more relaxed and better able to handle labor pain.

Each pain management option has pros and cons. Relaxation and breathing techniques can help you feel a better sense of control, but they don't dull the pain. Medication can make contractions less painful, but you may experience side effects — such as drowsiness or nausea. With some medications, you may be restricted to bed or to a specific position, and your bladder may need to be emptied by a catheter. Some medications can affect your baby, too. If you're given narcotics shortly before birth, for instance, your newborn could experience temporary breathing problems or slowed reflexes.

Labor and delivery are unpredictable. Labor pain may be more intense than you expected, or it may hurt in a different way. Even if you have a plan for managing labor pain, you may decide to change it as labor progresses — or the specific characteristics of your labor may prompt your health care provider to suggest a pain relief option that wasn't in your original plan. Keep in mind that birth isn't a test of endurance. You won't have failed if you ask for pain relief.

One thing is certain: The more you learn about options for managing labor pain, the more prepared you'll be to handle labor — however it unfolds.

So what's the bottom line on managing labor pain? Think about what appeals to you most, and ask your health care provider these questions:

• What's involved in the method?
• How will it affect me? Will I be able to walk? Or will I be confined to bed?
• How will it affect my baby?
• What are the possible side effects?
• How quickly will it work?
• How long will the pain relief last?
• Can I combine it with other methods of pain relief?
• When during labor is the method available?
• What if it doesn't work?
• Will I remember everything?
• Will I be able to breast-feed my baby after delivery?

Remember, you're free to request pain relief at any point during labor and delivery. Trust your health care provider to help you make the best choices as your labor progresses.

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