Labor Pain Relief Options For Child Birth

Labor Pain Relief Methods In Childbirth

Ok, you're in labor, what labor pain relief is available if you need it? On this page we'll take a look through what is available to you to ease those contractions pains. What I must express is that all types of pain relief will affect all women differently. Let's say you choose pethidine - unless you've already had it before, you won't know how it will affect you, so with some of the drugs available it really is a game of chance!

Active Birth

You can find classes where you are taught how to deliver your baby without using drugs, You may be taught a combination of breathing exercises and positions to help ease the pain. Just remember, if you do use this method, you are still free to use another method of labor pain relief should you need it (nothing is set in stone, go with what your body tells you!)

Aromatherapy

You can have essential oils applied as a massage by a qualified practitioner. This is believed to relax the mum-to-be, and speed up the labour process.

Acupressure

This natural holistic method of labor pain relief has been used for many hundreds of years in the eastern world. It works by putting slight pressure on the meridian points around the body, balancing the bodies natural rhythm. Learn more about Acupressure for labour pain relief, and an easier and shorter birth!

Labor pain relief - TENS

I used a TENS machine with my first baby. I was hoping that I wouldn't need any other form of pain relief during labour and birth, but unfortunately that wasn't the case. I must stress that I thought TENS was brilliant for the first few hours of labour, but after 20 hours I really needed something 'Stronger!'TENS works on little electric impulses, these little impulses stimulate the nerves under the skin. By placing little sticky pads on certain areas on your back, these are attached to the TENS machine which has a control panel that you work. You can alter the strength of the impulses to suit your needs. TENS is totally safe to use as long as you follow the instructions (do NOT attach the sticky pads to your tummy or bump!) TENS machines can be hired from certain outlets ask your midwife for advice on where to get one, you normally have to book them in advance. I hired mine from boots.

Labor pain relief - Gas & Air (Entonox)

This is quite a good method of labor pain relief, although some women will find that they may need something stronger. It gives quite a 'tipsy' feeling, and you need to take deep breaths of it during contractions. You should feel it working within seconds, and it lasts for a minute or so.You can breath it through a mask, also the hospital that I was in, had like a pipe fitting that you could use, I found this helpful as I could bite on the pipe during contractions!There are no side effects for the baby with gas and air.

labor pain relief - Pethidine

Pethidine is an injection normally given into the thigh. It should take effect within a few minutes and will last for a couple of hours.I have a friend who has had 3 babies and swears by pethadine, but for me personally I would never have it again.My experience with this form of pain relief wasn't good at all. I felt sick and hardly able to remember things that were happening a couple of minutes ago. The pain was still there and I just felt very out of control. But like I have said before, what does not work for one person, may be another persons dream method, so don't be afraid to give it a go.Pethidine can allow for mothers to sleep if they are having a really long labour. It can sometimes affect the babies breathing if given too close to the actual birth, but there is an antidote which will be given to the baby if this happens.

Labor pain relief - Epidural

An epidural numbs the nerves that carry the signals of pain from the birth canal to up the brain, so for most women this is total pain free labour. It has to be given by an anaesthetist (so let your midwife know in plenty of time if think you may want one) You normally lie on your side and a very thin tube is injected into a space in between the bones of your spine. You should lie very still while this is being done. It takes around 20 minutes to set up, and then the same again for the epidural to start working, but once the tube is in place the anaesthetic can be given continuously or topped up as often as you need it. For long labours this allows the mother to sleep, pain free.

Epidurals although an excellent form of labor pain relief can have some side effects for some women. Your legs could feel quite heavy and you may find it difficult to get comfortable.You may need to have a catheter fitted if you have difficulty passing water.You will need to have a drip fitted to your arm to keep you topped up with fluids and help maintain your correct blood pressure. Your contractions will be carefully monitored by your midwife as you will not be able to feel them.

Your midwife may advise you to let the epidural wear off slightly before the delivery of your baby. This will allow you to feel your contractions and be able to effectively push your baby out yourself.Backache and headache can be a side effect of epidural after the birth.

Your Choice!

It is always a good idea to discuss labor pain relief with your midwife or GP, they can give you leaflets or any advice you will need. Remember that even if you choose to have totally natural birth with no pain relief, you can change your mind should you feel the need. If you decide on one method and then change your mind, it's fine, just remember to keep your midwife advised on what you want.

Well this is it, I wish you well with the birth. It is painful, but my goodness is it worth it! When you first look into your baby's eyes, you'll know what I mean :-)

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