There is a North America-wide shortage of epidural catheter kits, which has the Saskatchewan Health Authority asking expecting families to review pain management options with their care providers.  The SHA’s Provincial Department Head for Anesthesiology, Dr. Mateen Raazi, says, “We are committed to the best possible stewardship of the resources available to us in these challenging times.” Dr. Raazi notes that they are many ways health care providers can help with safe and effective pain management for patients having surgery and four our pregnant patients in labour.

In a news release the SHA says alternative pain control methods include medications through spinal, inhaled, intravenous, or intramuscular injection, and pain may also be reduced through local anesthetic nerve blocks, therapeutic touch, breathing and positioning techniques. The SHA is working to secure further supplies.

For more information on methods of pain control during labour and delivery, click here.