Pain Relief During Labour and Birth: Your Complete Guide

**Reading Time**: 10 minutes

Types of Pain Relief Available During Labour and Birth

Whether you’re birthing at home, in a birth centre, or hospital, various pain relief options are available. Your choices might include starting with non-pharmacological options before considering medical pain relief, or you may prefer immediate access to medical pain management. Remember: this is your labour and there’s no right or wrong way to navigate and manage pain.

Natural Pain Management

Movement

Staying active during labour is a proven pain management strategy that also encourages your baby to move down into your pelvis, potentially speeding up your labour. Key advice: Don’t get on the bed! When contractions become overwhelming, it’s easy to freeze and tense up, triggering the fear-tension-pain cycle. Movement allows you to flow through contractions rather than resisting them.

TENS Machine

This safe, non-invasive option provides:

• Small electrical pulses through back electrodes
• Controlled pain management
• Release of natural endorphins
• No side effects
• Increased sense of control

Massage and Touch

Individual preferences vary:

• Some women love firm pressure
• Others prefer no touch
• Downward pressure can help ground you
• Consider packing odourless massage oil

Acupressure with Hair Comb

This technique:

• Uses gate control theory
• Provides alternative pain input
• Works best with wooden combs
• Targets specific pressure points

Sterile Water Injections

Research-backed pain relief especially effective for:

• Back labour
• Posterior positioned babies
• Pain between contractions
• Can be repeated every 2-3 hours

Water and Labour

Shower Benefits

• Helps focus awareness
• Eases back and belly tension
• Provides soothing sound therapy
• Offers gentle relief

Bath and Water Immersion

Benefits include:

• Buoyancy in active labour
• Muscle relaxation
• Reduced stress hormones
• Increased endorphins
• Potential energy conservation
• Decreased need for medical pain relief

Important considerations:

• Stay hydrated
• Monitor water temperature
• Watch for labour slowdown
• Follow care provider guidance

Medical Pain Relief Options

Gas and Air

This common first medical option:

• Combines nitrous oxide and oxygen
• Can be adjusted in strength
• Takes 15 seconds to peak
• May cause temporary nausea
• Leaves system quickly

Morphine

Understanding this strong option:

• Takes 20 minutes to work
• Lasts up to three hours
• Can affect both mother and baby
• Timing considerations important
• Requires monitoring

Epidural

For detailed information about epidurals, including benefits and risks, visit our comprehensive epidural guide.

Making Informed Choices

Consider:
– Birth location options
– Personal pain tolerance
– Support available
– Birth preferences
– Labour progression
 

– Complete Guide to Epidurals
– Understanding Labour Positions
 

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start using pain relief in labour?

Each method has optimal timing. Natural methods can be used from early labour, while medical options are typically introduced in active labour.

Can I combine different pain relief methods?

Many pain relief options can be used together or in sequence as your labour progresses.
 
 
**Important Note**: Discuss your pain relief preferences with your healthcare provider when creating your birth plan.