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There is a lot you can do to ease the pain of labour. Many women use a mix of self-help and drug-based methods.
Self help
You can learn techniques and positions at antenatal classes or read about them in books or on websites. These are just a few of the many tactics you can try.
TENS
Electrical impulses from a small, strap-on machine stimulate nerves to relieve pain.
- Can be self-administered at home in the early stages of labour if you hire a machine rather than using one belonging to your hospital.
- Leaves you free to move around.
- Is not effective for all women, especially in later stages.
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Drug-based pain relief:
Gas and air (Entonox)
Breathed in through mouthpiece or mask.
- Doesn't reduce the pain, but distances you from it.
- Effect stops as soon as you stop breathing it in.
- Not always strong enough to help with fierce contractions.
- Some women dislike the light-headed feeling it gives but many find it extremely helpful.
Pethidine
An injected drug given in first stage of labour.
- Helps reduce pain much more for some individuals than others.
- Can make women feel sick, weepy or very sleepy.
- Crosses the placenta, so can make baby drowsy.
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Epidural
Anaesthetic given via a needle to the lower spine.
- With newer, low-dose types your legs retain some feeling and mobility
- Increases chances of ventouse or forceps delivery, which in turn raises your chances of bowel or bladder problems after the birth.
- Can be given at any stage of labour, but is usually discouraged if you are already near to pushing.
- Makes labour pain-free for the majority of women.
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