Labor Pain

If you are nervous about the pain of birth, you are not alone!

Labor Pain
If you`re feeling a little nervous about the process of giving birth, you`re not alone. You know deep in your heart that labor will be challenging and that it may become quite painful. On top of that, you`ve probably heard a few labor-room horror stories. It is very important to face labor with a calm assurance that all will go well. Nervous, panicky women seem to suffer more pain during labor and even may require more pain medication.

You can begin to plan ahead of time for the pains of labor. Review what you`ve learned in your childbirth-education classes. If you know what to expect during labor, you won`t be as frightened as your contractions intensify and become more frequent. Read all the books and magazine articles you can find about giving birth. Because each woman`s labor is different, it helps to become familiar with a variety of anecdotal histories of labor. Plan to participate as fully as possible in the birthing experience. Preparing a birth plan or birth script will help you clarify your goals. Share your fears with your partner. Let him know that you`re counting on his strength and support during labor. Remind yourself that labor doesn`t last all that long. The average is 14 hours for first-time mothers - and most of that is in the relatively easy first stage of labor. Also, remind yourself that the memory of labor pain often is erased by the euphoria of seeing your newborn. Seek emotional support from a friend, perhaps someone you`ve met at your childbirth-education class. Share your concerns with her. Remember that anesthesia is available. You won`t be considered a "failure" or a "quitter" if you ask for it. There are anesthetics available that when given at moderate levels are considered safe for you and your baby and that will allow you to participate fully in the birth. Remember that women throughout the ages have given birth successfully, with or without classes, anesthesia, and even medical supervision.

Labor pain management video

Provided by the www Health Channel on eMedTV.comTo reduce the amount of pain you may experience, begin by setting the appropriate environment. Dim the lights and put on a soothing CD if that is what will calm you. Some women prefer an upbeat tempo and others enjoy natural sounds. If your hospital or birthing center will allow for it, light candles. The dim light, scent and warmth can be calming.

When it comes to handling the pain associated with labor, there are many options. You probably will want to discuss them with your doctor and decide which one is best for you. If your breathing and massage techniques from childbirth classes aren`t enough, you can choose relief that includes medication or drug-free pain control.

There are four basic options to consider:

- The Epidural. This is the most common anesthetic used in labor and delivery. Here, the doctor threads a catheter through the vertebrae and into your lower back. Then, moderate doses of anesthetic are injected about once an hour. The anesthetic blocks both your motor and sensory fibers. The sensory nerves are easier to numb than the motor nerves, so you may, for example, be able to move your legs a little bit but you won`t feel them very well. So, when it`s time to deliver, you can`t feel your contractions and don`t have a sense of when to push, which is a drawback.

- The Continuous Epidural. This newer version solves that problem. As with the epidural, a catheter is inserted, but now only small amounts of anesthetic are administered by a pump so your nerve fibers are continuously bathed in anesthetic, rather than overwhelmed with one large dose. As a result, your sensory nerve fibers are blocked, but not your motor nerve fibers, so you`re able to push.

- The Walking Epidural. This newest option allows you to remain mobile. Ask your doctor about this new one.

- Analgesics Like Demerol And Stadol. If you`re given either of these medications through an IV or as an injection, they can take the edge off the pain of contractions. While they are narcotics, addiction is not a problem because the medications aren`t used for days at a time.

In addition to the pain-relief options that include medication, you also may consider the following:

- Hydrotherapy. If your hospital has a whirlpool spa, you can spend the most intense part of your labor letting the warm water jets massage your aching back. Perhaps even more importantly, the water will let you relax and ride through the pain and work with your contractions. Today many hospitals include spas in their maternity unit for this very purpose. If your water has broken, you may not be able to take advantage of this therapy. Check with your doctor about any limitations that may be necessary.

- Self-hypnosis. This allows you to focus on a pleasant image while relaxing your body.

-Massage. Ask your partner for a massage of your hands, feet, legs, neck or back. This can take the edge off of the contractions and help relax a laboring woman.

Comments: Labor Pain

Comments 1 to 4 of about 4.

Monika80 - 564 days ago.
Hi Mummies! I avoided labor pains thanks to this: Click Here! It will help you too for sure.

lotusmoonuk@yahoo.co.uk - 945 days ago.
Holographic Breathing is making some head way in the area of childbirth. It is great for reducing the pain of labour and generally helping in childbirth. In 2009 I taught the midwives at The Birth Centre - founded by Caroline Flint in south London. This was the first birth centre to be formed and Caroline Flint is a founder member and activist of the natural birth movement. This has also inspired others, and now over 30 birth centres and hospitals have become involved and are passing Holographic Breathing on to mothers. In the new year I will be starting therapist trainings for people who want to be therapists in this breathing/healing system either for birth, meditation or healing. Free Audio Seminars and lectures can also be downloaded from my web site at www.holographic-breathing.com

mrscunningham - 1509 days ago.
Your boyfriend isn't the one giving birth.

shortielee17 - 1512 days ago.
I am so scared about the pain of labor and delivery. Let me in on your stories. Honestly...I have a VERY low pain tolerance. My boyfriend would prefer a natuarl birth. Can I really do this??