ANTENATAL EXPECTATIONS: PAIN, METHODS OF PAIN RELIEF, INFORMED DECISION MAKING 
Childbirth is a very important experience for most women. To be involved in decision-making implies educating and informing women about the methods to relieve pain in labor, reducing anxiety symptoms that occur at this stage. Thus, anesthesiologists have the responsibility to inform and clarify pregnant woman on the various methods of pain relief available, particularly epidural analgesia.
The aim of this article is to review pregnant women’s expectations of labor pain and methods for its relief, ascertain the involvement of women in decision making, highlighting the importance of prenatal information on epidural analgesia, so they can give consent and experience this extraordinary moment. Literature search was conducted regarding women´s antenatal expectations of pain and pain relief in labor, methods available for pain relief, as well as their involvement in the decision-making. This literature review summarizes published studies that focus on these variables. During labor, pain experienced by pregnant women is influenced by previous experiences which in turn modulate their expectations. Antenatal education about methods available for pain relief increases women satisfaction with birth experience and allows a time for reflection prior to decision-making. Pamphlets are the most common form of clarifying women regarding labor, but the role of the anesthesiologist in providing accurate information is crucial. Women have ideal hopes of what they would like to happen regarding pain relief. Antenatal information improves knowledge, clarifies unrealistic expectations of outcomes, augmenting skills in shared decision-making. Appropriate aids are advised, but do not replace the anesthesiologist´s interview.