Pain Relief In Labour
Labour is one painful process and every pregnant lady responds differently to it. Some go for medical options while others try their best to avoid for as long as possible. Nevertheless, it is always safe to explore your options so that in time of need you know which one to opt for.
This article is drafted in order to help pregnant women with pain relief in labour.
Gas And Air (Entonox) For Labour
Entonox is basically a mixture of gas and air that is colourless as well as odourless. It comprises of oxygen and nitrogen dioxide in equal ratios. Also, known as laughing gas; Entonox does not completely block off the labour pain but relieves it to bearable extents.
Gas and air are the most popular method used in hospitals as well as by midwifes in order to relief labour pain. But what exactly is the best time to use it?
Although it can be taken whenever you want during the time period of labour; however, as per doctors’ recommendation it shouldn’t be taken for a very long time and should be avoided during early days of labour. Once the labour has established, then is the right time to put gas and air to use.
How to use Entonox?
You breathe in air via an antibacterial mask or mouthpiece which you hold yourself. It takes around 15 to 20 seconds for the gas to work and in approximately 3 minutes to reach the full effect so you got breathe it in as soon as the contraction begins. To bring about the best results take slow, deep breaths during inhalation. Continue breathing until you start to feel light headed. Once, you have reached that point, move away the mask from your mouth. Within few minutes you’ll start feeling better.
What are the advantages of using Entonox?
1. This method is quite flexible and fast acting.
2. It is easy to use. No technical knowledge required.
3. It is under your control that when and for how long to use it.
4. It does not interfere with labour.
5. Once you stop inhaling, the effects wear off right away.
6. It does not have any harmful effect on baby, rather extra oxygen is beneficial for both mother and baby.
What are the side effects/ disadvantages of using Entonox?
1. The gas and air may make you feel very lightheaded, nauseous and overall sick.
2. You may end up feeling dizzy and tingly if inhaled it for longer period of time.
3. It dries your mouth.
4. There may be increase in drowsiness if you are taking pethidine along with it.
5. It is a mild analgesic and may take for it some time to get it to reach the required levels.
6. Holding onto the mask may make the patient irritable as it will be difficult for her to get into the labour position comfortably.
Water Birth
Water birth means that labour, delivery or at least part of these two will take place in the pool of warm water. It can be performed at hospital, birth centers or home by midwifes.
Utilizing this method during first stage of labour helps in easing the pain, cuts down the need of getting anesthesia along with speeding up the entire process of labour.
In stage two of labour, where cervix is fully dilated and you are about to push the baby out, it is safe to come out of the pool as it would be easy to take one to the hospital in case of emergency.
Who is a good candidate for water birth?
You should not try it if you fall under any of these:
1. You are younger than 17 or older than 35.
2. You have complications such as preeclampsia or diabetes.
3. You are giving birth to twins or multiples.
4. The baby is premature and in breach position.
5. You are suffering from an infection.
What are water birth risks?
1. You or the baby could get an infection.
2. The umbilical cord might snap even before the baby is out of water.
3. Baby’s temperature can go too high or too low.
4. Baby might suffer from seizures.
What precautionary measures can you take?
1. You are under supervision of experienced, licensed health care professional.
2. Proper infection control measures.
3. Tub is clean and well maintained.
4. There is proper plan to get you out of tub as soon as its time.
5. Water temperature is closely regulated between 97 to 100 F.
6. Keep yourself hydrated.
Hypnobirthing
Goal of hypnobirthing is to teach a pregnant lady on how to stay calm and under control during birth and labour. it embraces a completely different way of how you think and respond to your situation.
The technique of hypnosis is learned through classes (in person or online), from books, CDs etc.
How does it work?
One of the methods is to use different words. This is because the language we make use of plays an important part in making one feel optimistic.
1. Painful contractions are substituted by tightening or surges.
2. False labour is replaced by practice labour.
3. Birth breathing is used instead of pushing and contractions.
Learning outcomes of hypnobirthing classes
1. The most suitable positions for labour and birth.
2. Deep relaxation technique along with self-hypnosis.
3. Breathing techniques.
What are the benefits of hypnobirthing?
1. The duration of first stage labour is shortened.
2. Intensity of pain reduces to bearable levels.
3. Hospital stays are shorter.
4. After the birth of baby, you feel less anxious and fearful.
Reflexology
It is best drug free labour pain relief method or you can say a complementary methodology alongside other labour pain relief techniques. This involves application of pressure with the help of thumbs, fingers, hand to feet aiming to stimulate different parts of the body (since different points on the foot represent different regions of the body such as heart, kidneys and lungs).
Performed by a trained practitioner, the reflexology session lasts for about 30mins to one hour. They can be continued throughout the labour in equal time intervals. The most targeted area is the base of both big toes which stimulates the pituitary gland. The gland releases hormones that speed up the labour.
Who can have it?
Women wo have had a history of any of these should avoid reflexology:
1. Miscarriage
2. Risk of preeclampsia
3. Deep vein thrombosis or other blood clotting issues.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) Machine
TENS machine is a device used to relieve pain via utilizing mild electric current. This small battery functioned device has leads attached to sticky pads called electrodes. The pads are attached to the skin and give off a tingling feeling when electric current is passed through it.
They work in the following two ways:
1. Reduces the pain signals going to the spinal cord and brain which ultimately relaxes muscles and relieve pain.
2. Stimulate the production of endorphins, natural pain killers.
It is most effective during the early stage of labour when a pregnant woman is experiencing lower back pain. However, it has not shown beneficial results when contractions are prolonged, strong and more regular.
Use of TENS machine has no side effects on you or your baby.
Massage
It stimulates the body to release natural pain killers- endorphins along with mood lifting chemicals. Massage plays an important role in strengthening your bond with your care taker (your midwife or your partner). Touch makes you feel relaxed and better while you are coping up with contractions. Also, it helps you deal with the feeling of fright and worry.
Positions for massage
There are certain positions in which the massage can bring about way better results. These include:
1. Leaning forward on birth ball
2. Sitting on a chair, turned back to front.
3. Sideways stairway to heave
4. Side-lying
5. Standing lunge
6. Standing forward lean
7. The slow dance
8. All fours
Can massage oils be used during labour?
Although using a massage oil makes the experience more pleasant but it is important to know which oils are suitable during the time of pregnancy.
The precautionary measures you can take:
1. Use one drop of essential oil at a time
2. Do not use one oil for long periods of time
3. Dilute the essential oil with a teaspoon of base oil before use. The base oil you can use are grapeseed oil or sweet almond oil.
4. the best time to use essential oils is past first trimester.
Which oils can be used?
1. citrus oils, such as tangerine and neroli
2. German camomile
3. common lavender
4. frankincense
5. black pepper
6. peppermint
7. ylang ylang
8. eucalyptus
Oils should be avoided if you have a history of/or currently have any of the following:
1. miscarriage
2. vaginal bleeding
3. epilepsy
4. heart problem
5. diabetes
6. blood disorder
7. thyroid, liver or kidney disease.
Best areas to massage?
1. Shoulder- keeps them relaxed and helps in rhythmic breathing.
2. Lower back- to cope up with the pain of contractions.
3. Foot
4. Hand- in case you’ve had epidural, foot massage can be very soothing.