At what stage of labor is a paracervical block typically given?

A paracervical block is typically administered during active labor, which is generally defined as the period when cervical dilatation is between 4 to 8 cm. This stage is characterized by more intense and frequent contractions, and the pain often becomes more difficult to manage. The paracervical block provides analgesia by injecting local anesthetic near the cervix, helping to alleviate the pain associated with uterine contractions and cervical dilation during this critical phase.

Administering the block during early labor (0-3 cm) is less common because women may not yet be experiencing sufficient pain to warrant this intervention. In the transition phase (8-10 cm), the focus is often on preparing for delivery rather than administering analgesia, as many women may feel the urge to push and want to avoid any further interventions that could impede this instinct. Similarly, during the second stage of labor (crowning), the emphasis is on delivery, and many individuals prefer to avoid analgesia at this point to maintain the ability to push effectively. Thus, the active labor phase is the most appropriate time for a paracervical block.