There are several ways of relieving pain during labour. Ask your midwife to explain what’s available so that you can decide what’s best for you.
Self-help
Self-help techniques can help you relax in labour, and this helps you cope with the pain. You can:
- learn about labour so you can feel more in control. Read books, talk to your midwife and attend antenatal classes
- write your birth plan. For more information, see What is a birth plan?
- have a friend or partner with you during labour. Use deep breathing to calm and relax you, and try to keep moving around
Water
Using a bath or birth pool during labour can relax you and make your contractions seem less painful. Hospital staff will closely monitor the water temperature to make sure it doesn’t exceed 37C (98.6F).
Gas and air
Gas and air (also known as Entonox) is a combination of oxygen and nitrous oxide. You breathe in the gases through a mask or mouthpiece with slow, deep breaths. It quickly reduces pain, though won’t remove it completely. It’s easy to use, but may make you feel sick or light-headed.
TENS
TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) machines deliver small amounts of electrical current through pads taped to your back. You control the strength of the current using a hand-held device.
TENS blocks pain signals and stimulates your body's production of endorphins (natural pain-killing chemicals). It’s most effective during the early stages of labour and won’t help during the pushing stage. There are no known side effects.
Medication
Medicines, such as pethidine can be injected to help you relax and lessen the pain. They take approximately 20 minutes to work and last two to four hours. Side effects include:
- feeling woozy or forgetful
- finding it hard to push if the medicines haven’t worn off by the end of labour
- if the medicines are given too close to the time of delivery, they can affect your baby’s breathing and your baby may need an antidote
- they can interfere with breastfeeding
Epidural
An epidural is a local anaesthetic that’s injected into your spine. It numbs the nerves that carry pain signals to your brain. An epidural is one of the most effective treatments, especially if you’re having a long or painful labour.
Epidurals are only available for hospital births. Side effects include:
- a headache. This affects about 1 in 100 women
- a sore back for a day or two
- your blood pressure can drop, though this is rare
Alternative therapies
Some women choose to use alternative therapies during labour, such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, homeopathy, hypnosis, massage and reflexology. Most of these techniques don’t provide effective pain relief.
Furthermore, hospitals won’t provide these, so you’ll need your own properly trained and experienced practitioner. Talk to your midwife and let the hospital know beforehand. For advice, contact the Institute for Complementary and Natural Medicine.
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