Pain Relief During Birth

  The pain of childbirth is one of the most daunting prospects facing a pregnant woman, especially one expecting her first child and not knowing what to expect. There are several common methods of reducing labour pains, which can vary in effectiveness from woman to woman.

Birthing Pool

  Some women find that water gives some relief, and birthing pools are becoming more widespread in hospital labour wards. The idea of a water birth as a natural alternative to pain-killing drugs is also attractive to many.

  If a pool isn't available, many women find that even a sponge wettened with warm water and applied to the lower back can provide some comfort and relief.

TENS

  A TENS machine, or obstetric pulsar, is attached to your back by 2 or 4 electrode pads. The unit then passes a small electric charge through your skin, which in theory both blocks pain signals in the nerves and stimulates the production of endorphins, the body's natural pain killers. The effect feels something like pins and needles, and can be increased in strength during contractions.

  The effectiveness of TENS varies widely - some find it effective enough to avoid having to use any other pain relief method, while others report no effect whatsoever. Click here for more information on TENS machines.

Gas and Air

  Gas and air is also known as entonox, and is a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. Useful in early labour, it can provide quick temporary relief 'on demand' without the drawbacks associated with stronger drugs.

Epidural

  An epidural is an injection to the lower back, which blocks the pain signals from the womb. It is very effective for most women, and lasts for 2 to 3 hours. It can be 'topped up' as required to maintain pain relief during a long labour.

  A drawback is that an epidural can numb the lower body, making movement impossible, and so you must remain in bed throughout labour. Newer epidural formulations however are becoming more successful in avoiding this.

Pethidine

  Pethidine is the most common pain relief drug used during labour. It is very effective in reducing pain, and lasts for 3 or 4 hours.

  One problem associated with pethidine is that it can also affect the baby, leading in some cases to a delay in her starting breathing. Naloxone is an antidote to pethidine which can be administered if this happens.