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PAIN RELIEF

Maternity care options:

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.
  • Relaxation and breathing
  • Massage
  • Different positions
  • Complementary therapies such as aromatherapy and reflexology. 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. 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. 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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