How much does one injection of painless labor cost for pregnant women?
Jul 31, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
Epidural analgesia for painless childbirth is a technique that involves puncturing the lumbar interspace of the pregnant woman and injecting local anesthetic into the epidural space to block the sensory nerves innervating the uterus and birth canal, thereby reducing labor pain. The reference price is 1000–5000 yuan per injection, with the specific cost influenced by factors such as the analgesic method, type of medication used, duration of analgesia, monitoring items, and regional cost of living levels.
Generally, painless childbirth analgesia involves inserting a needle into the pregnant woman's lumbar interspace to inject local anesthetics into the epidural space, blocking the sensory nerves that innervate the uterus and birth canal, thereby reducing labor pain. The reference price ranges from 1000 to 5000 yuan per injection, with the actual price influenced by factors such as the analgesic method, type of medication, duration of analgesia, monitoring procedures, and regional cost of living. Actual pricing is best confirmed with local hospitals. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Analgesic Method
Different analgesic methods have different costs. Simple epidural block is relatively less expensive, with a reference price of 1000-2500 yuan per injection. Combined spinal-epidural block is more costly due to faster onset and more complete pain relief, with a reference price of 2500-5000 yuan per injection.
2. Type of Medication
Variations in anesthetic drug combinations lead to price differences. Using only conventional local anesthetics is less expensive, with a reference price of 1000-2000 yuan per injection. Combining conventional drugs with new long-acting local anesthetics or low-concentration analgesics increases cost due to prolonged analgesia and fewer side effects, with a reference price of 2000-5000 yuan per injection.
3. Duration of Analgesia
The length of time analgesia is required during labor affects the price. If labor progresses quickly and no additional medication is needed, the cost is lower, with a reference price of 1000-2500 yuan per injection. If labor is prolonged and repeated drug supplementation is necessary to maintain analgesia, the cost is higher, with a reference price of 2500-5000 yuan per injection.
4. Monitoring Procedures
Different monitoring procedures result in price variations. Basic monitoring, such as blood pressure and heart rate, is less expensive, with a reference price of 1000-2000 yuan per injection. More comprehensive monitoring, including continuous fetal heart monitoring, blood oxygen saturation monitoring, and anesthetic depth monitoring, increases the cost, with a reference price of 2000-5000 yuan per injection.
5. Regional Cost of Living
Regional economic and living standards also influence pricing. In lower-cost areas such as third- and fourth-tier cities and rural regions, the price is generally 1000-2500 yuan per injection. In higher-cost areas such as first- and second-tier cities, the price is generally 2500-5000 yuan per injection.
If planning to undergo labor analgesia, it is recommended to communicate with the hospital in advance to clarify the specific costs and suitability. The procedure should be performed only after a doctor's evaluation confirms eligibility, to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.
