Epidural and painkillers during birth:[1]

There is no Halachic or philosophical negation or discouragement against taking epidurals and painkillers during birth in Judaism, and a woman who chooses to do so may do so even initially.

[1] See Eiruvin 100b; Haemek Davar on Bereishis 3:16; Rashi Mishlei 10:24, 14:23, Tehillim 127:2; Encyclopedia Hilchatit Refuit Leida p. 229