The primary goal of pain relief during labor is to reduce maternal discomfort by managing the intense pain that occurs due to uterine contractions and cervical dilation. Effective pain relief improves the mother's overall labor experience, reduces stress and anxiety, and can promote better cooperation during delivery. It does not aim to shorten labor duration or directly affect fetal condition but supports maternal wellbeing, which indirectly benefits fetal outcomes. Therefore, alleviating maternal pain is the foremost objective in labor analgesia.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, Cunningham et al., 25th Edition.