Pudendal nerve block and obstetric simulation

Pudendal nerve block was fi rst described in 1908. This is an effective technique of analgesia for the later stages of labor. But the use of analgesic techniques able to relieve pain from the early stages of labor (such as the neuraxial techniques) led the pudendal block for a secondary choice. Even though, it is a simple and safe technique, usually performed by the obstetrician and with an associated low risk of bleeding or infection. Pudendal nerve block is a technique with scarce training opportunities in clinical practice. Therefore, training of this procedure using obstetric simulators should be considered. Moreover, its practice in simulated scenarios allows familiarization of multidisciplinary teams on its application in different contexts, either emergent or non-emergent intra-partum situations. The objectives of this work are: (1) to conduct a review of the pudendal nerve block for labor analgesia, focusing on its the main advantages and limitations, (2) to rethink its use in the absence of contraindications or other analgesic techniques, (3 ) to remind the technique of execution through simulation applied to Obstetrics.