Author
Bowtie Team
Updated on
2025-08-25
Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.
For expectant moms in Hong Kong, painless delivery offers a way to minimize childbirth pain and enhance comfort. But what about the process, costs, risks, and potential side effects? Dive in with Bowtie as we break down everything you need to know about this popular birthing option.
What is Painless Childbirth?
Painless childbirth refers to a method that uses epidural anesthesia to reduce pain during the delivery process.
During painless childbirth, an anesthesiologist will be present in the delivery room to care for the expectant mother. The obstetrician overseeing the delivery will frequently consult the anesthesiologist to alleviate the intense pain experienced by the mother during labor, and to provide anesthesia for cesarean sections.
Pain Relief Methods for Painless Childbirth
- Breathing control and body relaxation techniques
- Timed muscle injections of morphine or pethidine
- Inhaling anesthetic gas Entonox via a mask
- Continuous or pump-controlled intravenous infusion of morphine or similar painkillers
- Intermittent or continuous pump-controlled epidural infusion of local anesthetics and other medications
Painless Childbirth Process
During painless childbirth (i.e., epidural anesthesia), the doctor inserts a small plastic tube into the mother’s back to deliver anesthetic drugs into the spinal canal, temporarily blocking some spinal nerves to reduce labor pain. As the effects of the anesthetics wear off, sensation and movement naturally return. According to figures from the Hospital Authority, about 12% of pregnant women in Hong Kong currently choose painless childbirth.
Painless Childbirth Costs in HK
Public Hospitals
Under normal circumstances, public hospitals encourage natural childbirth for pregnant women. In any special emergencies, doctors will arrange a cesarean section. For all eligible persons (holders of a valid Hong Kong Identity Card), apart from paying HK$75 for admission and HK$120 per day for hospitalization, no additional delivery fees are required. In most cases, childbirth in a public hospital requires a 4-day stay, totaling HK$75 + $120 x 4 = $555. However, if a cesarean is needed, doctors usually recommend an extra day, making it a 5-day stay, with total costs of HK$75 + $120 x 5 = $675.
Although public hospitals offer painless childbirth, availability depends on the situation, such as whether an anesthesiologist is on duty at the time. Therefore, expectant mothers and their families should consult the hospital in advance for relevant information.
Private Hospitals
As for private hospitals, most obstetrics departments offer package deals commonly known as “delivery packages,” which vary based on the delivery method, length of stay, room type, and additional services:
| Hospital Name | Natural Delivery Fees (HKD) | Epidural Anesthesia (Painless Childbirth) Fees |
| CUHK Medical Centre | $22,000 to $42,000 | $7,000 |
| Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong | $23,300 to $50,300 | $7,500 to $11,500 |
| St. Teresa’s Hospital (French Hospital) | $18,800 to $38,800 | From $6,300 |
| Canossa Hospital | $21,600 to $64,900 | $8,500 to $12,000 |
| Hong Kong Baptist Hospital | $22,800 to $39,800 | $6,300 |
| Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital | $22,300 to $38,600 | $7,000 to $12,000 |
| Union Hospital | $22,500 to $38,000 | $7,000 to $12,250 |
What Are the Benefits of Painless Delivery?
The goal of painless delivery is to help pregnant women endure less intense pain during childbirth. Here are some key benefits of opting for painless delivery:
- Pain Relief: It eases the severe pain of labor, making it easier for moms-to-be to handle the process with less discomfort.
- Less Stress During Labor: Painless delivery keeps you more comfortable, cutting down on anxiety and tension throughout the experience.
- Faster Postpartum Recovery: By reducing pain, it allows you to rest properly during cervical dilation, helping restore your energy and supporting overall physical and mental recovery after birth.
- Lower Risk of Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension: It minimizes pain, reducing mental stress and thereby lowering the chances of triggering high blood pressure.
Plus, if a C-section is needed, higher doses of medication can be administered through the epidural catheter to manage pain during surgery. Typically, for one to two days post-op, epidural anesthesia is used to keep the discomfort at bay.
Does Painless Delivery Have Side Effects?
While painless delivery offers plenty of perks, like any medical procedure, it comes with potential risks and side effects—nothing’s perfect, right?
Common complications from epidural anesthesia include:
- Temporary weakness in the lower limbs
- Fever
- Shivering
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Low blood pressure
- Difficulty urinating
- If morphine-like drugs are used, you might experience discomfort like skin itching
Additionally, here are some common risks and side effects:
| Side Effects | Occurrence Rate |
| Post-dural puncture headache | 1% |
| Paraplegia | About 1 in 100,000 cases |
| Spinal or epidural hematoma | About 1 in 150,000 cases |
| Systemic toxicity of local anesthetics | About 1 in 10,000 cases |
| Epidural abscess and infection | About 0.2 – 3.7 in 100,000 cases |
When Is Epidural Not Suitable for Painless Delivery?
In some cases, pregnant women may not be suitable for epidural anesthesia. Here are some common examples:
- Had spinal surgery
- Have bleeding disorders
- Currently using anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs
- Infection near the proposed injection site on the back
- Fever or signs of infection
- Spinal abnormalities or deformities
- History of allergy to regional anesthetics
- Refuse this anesthesia procedure
If any of the above situations arise, doctors will generally recommend alternative pain relief methods or other solutions to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby.
In summary, by gaining a full understanding and discussing with healthcare professionals, expectant moms can make the best decision based on their own circumstances and needs, ensuring safety and comfort for themselves and their baby during delivery.
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