Content review and evidence-based updates
Over recent months, the LabourPains Subcommittee has been developing LabourPains.org. Although the website’s graphics and domain were refreshed a few years ago, it became clear that there was scope to improve the structure, consistency, and accessibility of the content – and to make sure it continues to reflect current evidence and best practice in obstetric anaesthesia.
We’ve now completed a thorough review of the site. Content has been streamlined and updated, with clearer alignment across pages and a strong focus on consistent, easy-to-follow explanations of pain relief options for labour and birth. All information is firmly evidence-based, regularly reviewed, and clinically robust, supporting both healthcare professionals and birthing parents to have informed, meaningful discussions.
Accessibility, translation and practical implementation
Accessibility has been a major priority throughout this work. Navigation across the site is now simpler and more intuitive, and we’ve introduced powerful new translation tools. The entire website can be translated into more than 30 languages, with plans to expand this to almost 100 over the coming months. Importantly, this is a whole-site translation rather than selected pages, so everyone can access the same information in their preferred language.
QR codes can also be generated to link directly to specific language versions of LabourPains.org – ideal for use in antenatal clinics, labour wards and other clinical settings. Please note that, as part of this upgrade, any previously generated local QR codes will no longer work; these will need to be replaced with newly generated ones.
Additional accessibility features have been added to ensure the site works well for as many users as possible.
Supporting national priorities in maternity care
LabourPains.org is designed to support high-quality conversations about labour analgesia, promote shared decision-making, and reinforce best practice. With recent national reviews, including the Ockenden inquiry, underlining the importance of early, clear, and equitable access to information, this work closely aligns with those priorities and with the OAA’s ongoing commitment to improving maternity care.
At a time when misinformation is widespread, LabourPains.org offers a trusted, expert-led resource on labour pain relief. It is intended to complement, not replace, the personalised discussions clinicians have with their patients. We encourage OAA members to share the site widely with midwifery and obstetric colleagues, and to embed it within antenatal education and counselling wherever possible. Together, we can help establish LabourPains.org as the go-to resource for clear, reliable information on labour analgesia.
Shaping future development: user feedback
We’ve also introduced a new feedback feature, giving users the chance to tell us what they find helpful, what could be improved, and what they’d like to see added in the future. This feedback will be invaluable in helping the site continue to evolve to meet the needs of clinicians and the people they care for.
The refreshed LabourPains.org website will go live this spring, with a formal launch at the OAA Annual Scientific Meeting in Liverpool in May.
