Why pain relief different for any operation

[Elkalv]

Is it just me but I find it strange that no one will offer you tens machine or water pool when you get your appendix removed for example. Why in labor it's normal?

Because they are surgical procedures...ypi wouldn't get a caesarean in a water pool or with a tens machine!

Err, you can't exactly be in a water pool when you're getting your appendix removed!! How on Earth would the surgeon be able to operate in a great pool of water???
Most operations involve being opened with a knife. Most pain relief methods used in labour only, ahem, alleviate the pain rather than remove/numb it completely like anaesthetics.

You can't have any of the really good stuff in labour because most of it can either harm the baby or interfere with labour.

Is it just me but I find it strange

OP..it's just you...

Labour is something the body is meant to do. Having your appendix removed is not a natural thing for the body to do. There's no way it can happen without artificial intervention. You can't compare surgery with labour.

OP it's because childbirth isn't (generally) surgery. If they suspected you would need a c-section then you won't be allowed in the birthing pool at our hospital.

Also a lot of the drugs could pass through the placenta to the baby.

However there's something to the difference in recovery from a c-section to other abdominal surgery, but that's another thread.