Managing Pain During Labor

Most pregnancies are happy times full of promise despite the minor discomforts women experience during the last few months. However, as the time draws near to have your baby you may experience some anxiety about the delivery. Will there be complications? How painful will it be? (especially if you’re a first time mom) and you may worry about whether you will be able to handle the pain during labor in a calm manner. Pain during labor is a natural part of childbirth and a degree of anxiety is natural and fairly common in pregnant women.

For most women labor IS painful but the intensity of the pain varies from woman to woman with some experiencing relatively little pain and others feeling the pain is not manageable at all without the use of drugs. This also depends on your perspective and most first births are described as more painful than a second or third birth.

What Can You Do to Manage Pain During Labor?

It is advisable to prepare yourself mentally for pain during labor and to plan some strategies for coping with it. Dealing with your anxiety about childbirth is an excellent coping strategy.

What Causes the Pain During Labor and Delivery?

Labor pains are caused by the strong uterine muscle contractions and pressure on the cervix as the baby moves down the birth canal. The pain is usually a cramping pain in the lower abdomen, groin and back and a tired, achy feeling all over the body. Many women have pain in their sides and thighs as well. Pressure on the bladder and bowels from the baby’s head and stretching of the birth canal and vagina is another cause of pain during labor.

Some women describe the pain during labor as similar to menstrual cramping, others say it is severe pressure and still others say it feels like intense waves similar to that of diarrheal cramps.

Often it isn’t the intensity of pain during labor that causes women to seek pain management but the fact that the pain is repetitive and goes on for a lengthy time during each contraction.

Preparing to Manage Pain During Labor

There are many ways in which pain can be managed or reduced and you can start to practice them at home long before the baby is due.

* Regular gentle exercise will strengthen the muscles used in childbirth and prepare the body for the stress of contractions and labor. Being fit and toned also increases your endurance and prepares you to cope with a long labor. Never overdo your exercises and always get advice from your doctor about what he or she considers a safe program based on your pre-pregnancy fitness level and pregnancy history.

* Childbirth classes are an excellent way of learning techniques to manage pain during labor and are something you and your partner can participate in together as a bonding experience. Many techniques are used to manage pain, for example visualization or stretches that will make the uterine muscles toned and strong. In the United States the two most commonly taught methods are the Lamaze Technique and the Bradley Method.

* The Lamaze Technique

Lamaze classes focus on the fact that childbirth is a normal, natural process and one that should be viewed with a confident attitude. The classes teach women ways in which their perception of the pain may be minimized such as relaxation exercises, distraction and massage by a partner. The position on pain medication is neutral and women are empowered to make their own choices on how to manage pain during labor.

* The Bradley Method (Husband-Coached Birth)

The emphasis of the Bradley Method is on a natural approach and active participation of the baby’s dad (or other partner) as a birthing coach. The aim is to avoid medications if possible. Good nutrition and exercise is encouraged during pregnancy as are relaxation and deep breathing techniques to manage pain during labor.

The Bradley Method advocates a medication-free birth experience but parents are prepared for any complications that may occur like emergency cesarean sections.

Other Pain Management Techniques

Alternative methods to manage pain during labor include:

* hypnosis
* yoga
* meditation
* walking
* massage or counter-pressure
* changing position frequently
* taking a bath or shower
* distracting yourself by counting or doing something that keeps your mind occupied

Step By Step Guide to Manage Pain During Labor – The Big Day

* Your body is the best indicator of what is needed so listen to it. Focus on your contractions and notice when they develop a rhythm. Some contractions begin as a tightening in the lower back and spread out to the front of the abdominal area. Others will start at the top of the uterus and travel down toward the abdomen.

* Adapt your environment if you will be at home for the first few stages of labor. The room and house should be peaceful and quiet. If you have other kids ask a caretaker to look after them, if possible and desired they can be sent away from the house.

* When you head for the hospital have your birthing plan ready and available for the staff so they can arrange the environment you have requested.

* Move around as much as possible during labor. The action of gravity is one way to manage pain during labor. Walk around at home or outside. If you are in hospital walk through the hallways or garden if you are able to. If you do so, make sure your birthing partner goes with you.

* Be experimental – try out a variety of positions. Get on your hands and knees and rock back and forth or squat at the edge of the bed. Try lying on your side or sit in a tub of warm water or in the shower or rocking in a rocking chair.

* Ask your birthing partner to massage you. Back pain during labor is often relieved by applying counter-pressure. Another technique is to roll an unopened can of soda or tennis ball on the lower back.

* Focus on a favorite object or look into your partners eyes. Stare at a light or a candle. Concentrate on anything until the pain of each contraction subsides.

* Breathe or moan if you want to. Try to let the vibrations of your vocal chords spread up and into the diaphragm at a low pitch.

* Keep an eye on your contractions. If you are hooked up to a monitor have your partner encourage you by letting you know when the worst is over.

* Eat and take in plenty of fluids if your doctor permits it. You will need to keep your strength up. Try light high-energy snacks and clear fluids.

Opt for pain medication if you feel you can no longer endure the pain during labor. Find out well in advance what options are available and the risks to you and your baby. After a certain point in labor pain medication won’t be prescribed so ask well in advance! The most important thing to remember is that childbirth is about you and your baby so ask for what you want and need and focus on the process in a natural way. The impacts of pain during labor usually vanish with the first cry of your little bundle of joy and it all seems somehow entirely worth it when you look into the eyes of a new and wonderful tiny human being!