The Bible does not directly address the use of epidurals or other medical pain relief during childbirth. However, there are some principles from Scripture that can guide Christians thinking through this issue.
God’s design for childbirth includes pain
After Adam and Eve sinned, God told Eve “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing” (Genesis 3:16). This indicates that pain is a natural part of the childbirth process as a result of the Fall. The pain of labor was part of God’s curse on Eve for her disobedience. While not all suffering is directly tied to personal sin, pain in childbirth is a reminder of the brokenness of the world due to sin.
The alleviation of suffering is a blessing
Throughout Scripture, the alleviation of pain and suffering is seen as a mercy from God. For example, Jesus healed many people of sickness and disability, moved with compassion for their suffering. He calls his followers to act similarly – to “heal the sick” (Matthew 10:8). Medical interventions that can safely reduce the pain of childbirth without numbing the mother to the experience can be viewed as blessings from God through the skills and knowledge of doctors.
Each woman must follow her conscience
The Bible encourages Christians to carefully weigh decisions about behavior that is not forbidden or commanded in Scripture. Romans 14 provides principles for these “disputable matters” – we are not to judge each other over them, but follow our conscience after carefully studying God’s word. Whether or not to use an epidural is not directly addressed in Scripture, so a woman should thoughtfully consider it, pray about it, and follow her conscience.
She should also consult with a doctor about risks to weigh the medical pros and cons. A woman who chooses a natural childbirth or one who chooses an epidural, for godly reasons, can both honor the Lord in their choices.
Motives matter
When making choices about childbirth methods, a woman’s motives are important. 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us that everything we do should be done for the glory of God. Getting an epidural to avoid pain at any cost or refusing pain relief as a point of pride are both questionable motives. A woman in labor should be guided by humility, faith in God’s care, and a focus on safely delivering her child.
Philippians 2:3-4 encourages believers to consider others’ interests. If getting an epidural would enable a woman to more calmly and safely give birth, which benefits the baby, then it may be a loving choice. But the opinions or convenience of family should not be the primary factor.
There is freedom in Christ
Scripture teaches that followers of Jesus are no longer under law, but grace (Romans 6:14). This means Christians are not forbidden or required to have natural childbirth. God has granted freedom in many areas of life, including childbirth methods. Wise believers will exercise this freedom carefully, while remaining loving and without judgment toward others who make different decisions.
Childbirth is about more than physical pain
A woman’s focus in childbirth should not be solely avoiding pain. Giving birth is a spiritually, emotionally and relationally significant event. Even with pain relief, a mother can spiritually prepare her heart to meet her child and bond with her baby after birth. She can surround the delivery with prayer, worship and celebration of new life. An epidural does not preclude these spiritual aspects of birth.
Doctors can be used as instruments of God’s mercy
There are examples in Scripture of God working through medicine and physicians. Luke, known as the “beloved physician” traveled with Paul. Isaiah directed Hezekiah to apply a paste of figs to heal his skin disease. Like these men, doctors today can be instruments of God’s healing, helping safely manage pain in childbirth as an act of mercy.
At the same time, mothers should avoid putting trust in medicine over God. Help and healing ultimately come from the Lord, sometimes working through means like medicine (2 Chronicles 16:12). But God is the great Physician who controls life and health.
Natural childbirth honors God’s design
God created the woman’s body with the capability to give birth naturally. Choosing a natural childbirth allows God’s ingenuity in designing the birthing process to be on full display! With medical intervention kept to a minimum, the mother’s body instinctively knows how to labor and deliver a baby.
God also designed certain hormones to be released during natural labor and birth that aid the birthing process and promote mother-child bonding. Some believe these maternal benefits can be inhibited by pharmacological pain relief.
Rest and self-control are biblical virtues
Some women choose natural childbirth because they believe rest, meditation, preparation and self-control during the extreme experience of labor helps build godly character. 1 Timothy 4:8 says bodily training along with godliness has value. The discipline required in natural childbirth can be sanctifying.
Also, epidurals sometimes increase the risk of interventions like vacuum extraction or C-sections. If avoiding those interventions is a priority, natural childbirth may help promote that goal.
Jesus understands the pain of labor
Jesus, being fully human as well as fully God, understands all the experiences of being human, including painful emotions and physical suffering. Hebrews 4:15 reminds us we do not have a Savior unable to sympathize with our weaknesses and suffering. Because Jesus endured physical pain on the cross, He identifies with the extreme pain of labor and childbirth. Mothers can be comforted knowing Christ understands exactly what they are going through.
Natural childbirth and redemptive suffering
Some women view choosing to endure the full pain of natural childbirth as a way to identify with the suffering of Jesus and participate in His redemption through their own suffering. Just as Jesus bore pain to bring about something good – the salvation of sinners – a woman can unite her own labor pains with Christ’s redemptive work.
She can allow her labor to be an act of worship and personal sacrifice, offered up to God for His glory and purposes. This perspective can add spiritual meaning and motivation in the midst of intense childbirth pain.
There are good reasons women may seek pain relief
While natural childbirth has its benefits, there are also good reasons a woman may seek pain medication during labor. If she has a long labor, exhaustion may make it impossible to continue without an epidural. The stress of unmanaged pain could slow labor. If labor is induced or augmented, contractions may be more painful, increasing desire for pain relief.
A mother may also choose an epidural to be more mentally present during birth and for initial bonding with her baby. Severe pain can overwhelm a woman during labor, making it difficult to focus on the birth. An epidural may allow her to be more engaged and aware of the delivery.
Doctors should be consulted about pain relief options
Because epidurals carry certain risks, doctors should carefully screen patients considering them. Some health factors like spinal abnormalities can increase risks. Doctors can help weigh these concerns and suggest alternatives to epidurals if needed.
They can also discuss techniques like patterned breathing and massage that may help manage labor pains. Their guidance can help a woman make an informed decision about what pain relief options are wise in her circumstances.
Husbands should support their wives in this decision
A woman’s husband has an important supporting role during childbirth. Scripture teaches husbands to love their wives sacrificially as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25). This means putting her needs first during the vulnerability of labor.
Her husband should educate himself about childbirth options and provide his input if she seeks it. But ultimately, he must support whatever decision she feels is right concerning natural childbirth or pain relief without judgment, knowing her conscience may lead to different choices.
Mothers can prepare through prayer and meditation on Scripture
In the months leading up to delivery, mothers can prepare spiritually for this significant event through prayer and Bible study. Scriptures like Psalm 139 and Isaiah 40 remind her of God’s omnipotence, while Philippians 4:6-7 encourages releasing anxiety to God.
She can also memorize and meditate on passages to focus her mind during labor, such as Psalm 23. Setting her heart and mind on spiritual truths will strengthen her for the marathon of childbirth.
The church should provide support and care
The New Testament portrays a beautiful picture of the church as a community that bears one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). Christian women should be able to find empathetic support, prayer and practical help from the church during pregnancy and birth.
The church can encourage mothers in their decisions without judgment. They can provide meals, childcare and emotional support. And they can rejoice and give God praise with women who have given birth.
In summary, the Bible does not prohibit the use of epidurals or other medical pain relief during childbirth. This is an area of freedom and personal choice for Christian women. The most important principles are making prayerful decisions based on faith, acting in love, following doctor’s counsel, and focusing on the spiritual blessings of birth as well as its physical aspects. God is sovereign over the delivery room, and He will be glorified however a mother brings new life into the world.