Pain Management in Labor

Styles of Pain Management

When exploring your options for pain management, it may be wiser to first study the styles of pain management rather than the exact techniques of each style. This allows you to gain a better understanding of what each method or technique will require of you for its successful use during labor. You may find the Birth Style Quiz helpful in determining what types of techniques will be most beneficial to you. After choosing the style of pain management that best fits you and your life style, practice the techniques to gain mastery so you will be best able to use it during labor.

• Epidural or Spinal Medication
  The terms "epidural" and "spinal" do not refer to any specific medication, but the way in which the medication is administered. These techniques are generally referred to as regional blocks because they medication prevents the nerves from sending signals to the brain and so only numbs or reduces pain in part of the body (from the abdomen down). Administration will require you to sit or lye with your back rounded over for up to twenty minutes while an anesthesiologist inserts a catheter into your back. You will not be allowed to move during the insertion.

  For more information about regional blocks and what you should consider before writing your birth plan click here.

• Mental Relaxation Techniques
  There are various mental relaxation techniques that can be used to promote relaxation during labor. Some techniques aim to focus your thoughts, others to distract you. To be successful at using mental relaxation techniques during labor, you will need to spend several weeks practicing with them. You can find some examples of mental relaxation techniques in the Coach's Notebook.

• Narcotic Analgesics
  Unlike a regional block, a narcotic analgesic will reduce your entire bodies ability to sense pain or discomfort. These medications are administered through a shot or IV and will wear off within a few hours. Because of health risks to the baby, most health care providers will not recommend these types of medications if you are within two hours of your babies birth.

  For more information about systemic medications and what you should consider before writing your birth plan click here.

• Physical Comfort Measures
  In general, any technique that you use for physical comfort in your day to day life can be used during labor. Hot and cold packs can be useful if you feel cramping or a back ache. Massage can help to refresh sore muscles. Sipping warm tea or cool water can keep you hydrated and energized. Using physical comfort measures successfully during labor doesn't take much practice, however you will need to find a way to remind yourself to use these techniques during labor. It may be beneficial to familiarize yourself with the tools available to you at your birth place. You may also find that reviewing suggestions for how to use comfort measures in labor in the Coach's Notebook helps prepare you for using these techniques in labor.

• Position Changes
  The way in which your body is positioned during labor can make a difference in the sensations that you feel. Some positions improve your baby's ability to navigate through the pelvis, other positions hinder his efforts. Some positions can help to reduce the pressure associated with a back labor, other positions make it easier to relax your body and rest. A support person can usually help you make position changes without having practiced positions, however to understand how to use positions effectively you may want to read about the benefits of specific positions during labor in the Coach's Notebook. It is also important to understand that some medical interventions will limit your ability to change positions.

• Water
  Most hospitals and birth centers have both tubs and showers for your use during labor. Many women find that they are better able to relax and can handle their contractions with less discomfort while they lie in a tub of warm water. A shower is equally useful in easing discomfort, and has the added advantage of the pressure of the stream of water that can be positioned to massage you just about anywhere you may need it.

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Using Pain Management Techniques

You will have no way of knowing what your labor will be like until it begins. For that reason it is important that you are familiar with two or three different styles of pain management techniques. Even if you have decided you would like medication as soon as possible, you may have up to an hour wait from the time you ask for medication before you have relief.

Once labor starts, you should be able to use your pain management techniques effectively by:

• Paying attention to your body
  How do you feel the most comfortable? If you feel better standing up, then stand up. If you find massage to be too distracting, ask your support person to stop. Remember that pain and discomfort are signals the body sends to tell us to do something else.

• Creating a routine
  Many women find that having a routine procedure for contractions helps them to manage the contractions. Your routine could be as simple as a deep breath when the contraction starts, lean over and have someone rub your back. The value of the routine is in knowing that you have an established way to respond to the contraction.

• Varying the techniques you use
  As labor progresses and your baby moves deeper through the pelvis, the sensations you feel will change. As your sensations change, you may need to change the way you handle contractions. You may find a subtle change in position is effective, or you may need to make a major change in the routine you have developed. Understand also that techniques that stopped being helpful may become helpful again later in labor.

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Risks of Using Comfort Measures

Any medication you take during labor will affect the baby. Please refer to the appropriate pages to review the risks of specific medications.

Non medicinal comfort measures have no medical risks. Emotional risks include:

• The technique may not work or may not work effectively causing frustration.

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You May Also Be Interested In: What changes are being assessed during a cervical exam. The Natural Childbirth Directory can help you find more information about birth and locate childbirth professionals. The Coach's Notebook helps you learn tools and techniques to manage labor. Find out how exercise and nutrition can help you achieve your birth plan goals.

© Copyright 2000-2008 Jennifer VanderLaan and Birthing Naturally

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