pudendal block /p(y)o̅o̅den″təl/ [L, pudendus, shameful; Fr, bloc, lump] , a form of regional anesthetic block administered to provide anesthesia of the perineum, which is particularly useful during the expulsive second stage of labor. The pudendal nerves are anesthetized by the injection of a local anesthetic near the trunk of each nerve as it passes over the sacrospinous ligament, just below the ischial spine. A 10-mL syringe, a long needle, and a guide are used in the procedure. The injection is most easily performed transvaginally. Pudendal block anesthetizes the perineum, vulva, and perirectal area without affecting the muscular contractions of the uterus. When the block is properly administered, the risk is minimal. Today’s OB anesthesia is most often epidural analgesia.
