Ways to make Labor less Painful

Labor and childbirth is usually a painful experience and women vary in their response to it.

For a woman having her first baby, the experience of labor (and her reaction to it) is unpredictable.

For this reason, it is a good idea to be aware of the options for pain relief that are available and to know something about the different methods. You may have a plan for how you hope to manage your labor, but it is best to be prepared to be flexible.

Non-medical pain relief options for childbirth

 There are several non-drug pain relief options:

·    Being in good physical condition is important. Exercise gently and regularly throughout your pregnancy, avoid cigarettes and alcohol, and eat a healthy, balanced diet.

·   Knowing what to expect during the various stages of labor can help reduce anxiety. Antenatal classes are strongly recommended.

·     Breathing techniques may help you to ‘ride the waves’ of each contraction.

·   Constant, close support from your partner (or a trusted friend or loved one) for the duration of labor can reduce anxiety.

·      Using distractions like music can help to take your mind off the pain.

·     Hot or cold packs, massage, a warm shower or immersion in a warm bath, and keeping active may all be helpful.

·      Hypnosis, acupuncture and acupressure are areas in which there has been little research but these may be considered also.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

TENS is a technique in which nerves in the lower back are stimulated using a small hand-held device controlled by the woman. It has no known side effects for mother or baby and many women find it helpful either alone or in combination with other methods of pain relief.

Medical pain relief options for childbirth

The main medical pain-relieving options for labor include:

·       Nitrous oxide
·       Pethidine
·       Epidural anesthesia.
·       Nitrous oxide

Know more about Epidural anesthesia:

Epidural injections are the most effective pain relief available. They are used for vaginal births and also for cesarean sections, because they allow the mother to stay awake and alert during the baby’s birth. Anesthetic is injected into the lining of the spinal cord through the back, which makes the mother feel numb from the waist down. Your baby’s heart rate will be monitored continuously.

Possible side effects and complications of epidural anesthesia include:

·         The anesthesia may not be complete and you may still experience some pain. This may require the procedure to be repeated.

·         After the epidural has been inserted, your blood pressure may drop, causing you to feel faint and nauseated. This may also cause stress to your baby. This is treated by giving intravenous fluid.

·         An epidural often causes some muscle weakness in the legs, so women who have had an epidural anesthetic may be confined to bed.

·         The lack of sensation in the lower body means that you will not be able to tell when you need to urinate. A urinary catheter will be inserted in most cases.

·         Epidurals can lengthen the second stage of labor.

·         The likelihood of having a normal vaginal delivery is reduced.

Childbirth is usually a painful experience.

Particularly if you are having your first baby, consider all options and be flexible.