Pain in Labour


















Understanding Labour Pain

Why do I have pain in labor?

  • the muscles of the uterus are tightening
  • your vagina is stretching
  • your cervix is opening
  • there may be pressure from the baby's position

How is labour pain different from other kinds of pain?

  • labour pain increases in strength over time so your body can
    adjust to it
  • during a contraction, the muscles of the uterus gradually tighten and slowly relax-
    each contraction lasts about 30-60 seconds
  • there is a break between contractions when you can rest
  • during your labour your body produces natural pain relievers called endorphins which have a calming effect
  • the pain of your labour tells you that your body is working properly to birth your baby and it has a purpose-
    you will be rewarded at the end with your baby!

Pain Relief Options

Pain is a normal, healthy part of labour and labour pain is different for every woman. Understanding the reasons
your body feels pain during labour and what options are available to help you cope with the pain will benefit you
and your baby.

Many women cope with the pain of childbirth with the assistance of:

  • a support person
  • breathing techniques
  • warm showers
  • changing positions
  • massage
  • visualization

Sometimes additional pain relief is required. Some medication options are:

Pain Relief Options
Benefits
Side Effects
1. Entonox (laughing gas)
  • Can be used right up until birth with no effect on the baby.
  • The laboring woman holds the face mask to control the amount she breathes in
  • Will only dull the pain, will not take it away.
  • Effects are short term
2. Narcotics (Morphine,Fentanyl)
  • If given intramuscularly, will work within 20-30 min and will last 3-4 hours.
  • If given intravenously will work within 2-3 minutes and last for 1-2 hours.
  • May make woman feel relaxed
  • Most women will feel drowsy.
  • Will only dull the pain,but will not
    take it away
  • If given too close to birth, may may some babies sleepy
3. Epidural
  • Provides the most effective pain relief
  • Used at any time during labour
  • Generally does not make the woman feel drowsy
  • Blood pressure and baby monitoring will be checked frequently
  • Woman will have to have an IV and may have to have a catheter into their bladder
  • Woman may have to stay in bed as they may not have good control of their legs
  • Woman may not be able to push as well

Entonox (Laughing Gas)

Narcotics Injection