Final answer:
Epidural analgesia is the most common method used to control pain during labor, allowing women to be conscious and active while relieving pain in the lower body.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common approach to controlling pain during labor is epidural analgesia. This method involves the use of medication to relieve pain while maintaining consciousness. Epidural analgesia is often preferred over general anesthetics such as halothane and ketamine during childbirth because it allows the mother to be awake and active during labor. Unlike opioids like morphine and codeine, which are also used for pain management in various contexts, epidural analgesia specifically targets the lower part of the body, which is ideal for labor pain control.