Most doctors will tell you that pain relief during labor and delivery falls into two categories: natural and analgesics.
Natural pain relief includes coached childbirth techniques, using different breathing methods and squatting or standing in different positions to minimize the pain you feel during labor. Analgesic medicationsA form of painkilling agent that doesn't induce unconciousness in the patient.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. are drugs which are administered at any time during labor to numb the nerve endings in the affected area.
You've probably heard about the pain you will experience during labor. Many of the stories you have heard may make you worried about the anticipated pain in labor. Instead of focusing on the pain you are anticipating, try instead to think of each contraction bringing the baby one step closer to delivery.
The nature of the pain can be different. For many women it feels like they are being squeezed around the abdomen. Many women say it feels like a severe menstrual cramp. About ninety percent (9 in 10) women experience backache. Some women experience a combination of the two.
Analgesic medicationsA form of painkilling agent that doesn't induce unconciousness in the patient.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. can either completely eliminate pain (these include an epidural or spinal block) or simply reduce it (gas, air or narcotics). Many women choose not to use drugs during labor, prefering instead to maintain maximum awareness of their environment. But it is often difficult to estimate your pain threshold before going into labor. You may be surprised by intenstity of the contractions you are experiencing. Sometimes the pain may feel worse because of anxiety and fear you had before going into labor. Whether you choose to use drugs or opt for natural methods of pain relief, you should remember that labor and delivery is not a test of your stamina. The use of drugs may be necessary for you to deliver the baby comfortably.
Most women opt for natural labor during early contractions. You can benefit from the coaching you have practiced to reduce the level of pain you are experiencing. As your pregnancy progresses you may choose to add low doses of gas and air to make your labor more comfortable.
Try to do without analgesics for as long as possible. A good tip is to wait for 15 minutes after you feel you want pain relief before committing to it. This will give you time to decide whether you can manage with encouragement from your birthpartner or need painkillers.
There are alternatives to conciousness reducing painkillers. The more natural your childbirth, the quicker your endorphins will kick in and increase your pain threshold.
It is a good idea to find out as much as possible about the types of pain relief that will be available at your hospital. Discuss the different options completely with your doctor, midwife and hospital attendants.
Many doctors strive to make labor and delivery as pain free as possible. For them it is normal to administer certain analgesics unless you specifically request that they are not used.
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