Pain relief options for labour and birth

Pain relief options for labour and birth

Nobody knows exactly how labour will feel until it starts. Some find that labour is bearable with little or no pain relief. However, many are likely to want help at some point.

Whichever way it is for you, look into the options for pain relief. It’s useful to read up about your choices early on. You can also discuss the options with your community midwife. 

We offer a wide selection of pain relief. This gives you the choice of what to have during your labour whether it’s your first baby or your fourth.

Pain relief options fall into two categories: with medication and without medication.

You don’t have to decide before labour what pain relief you want, however it is helpful to know all the options available to you.

Coping skills for labour

You’re likely to feel more relaxed in labour and better placed to cope with the pain if you learn about labour – this can make you feel more in control and less frightened about what’s going to happen. Talk to your midwife or doctor, ask them questions, and try to attend some antenatal classes.

We know that having a supportive birth partner and continuous one to one care can reduce the need for pain relief using drugs. Bringing a partner, friend or relative to support you during labour can help. Your midwife will also be with you throughout  labour providing you the support you need. 

It is known that upright positions and walking often help labour to progress. It may help to remain mobile and to try different positions. Use chairs, cushions, and the bed to move between positions that make you feel most comfortable and relaxed.  

Sitting on a birthing or exercise ball and rocking gently may help. Lying down on you back can often make labour feel more painful. Relaxation methods and breathing techniques can be really helpful during contractions.

Pain management without medication 

Complementary Therapies

Some women may use complementary therapies such as Acupuncture, Reflexology, and Hypnosis. However, if you wish to use one of these you will need to be trained in its use or bring a support therapist with you when in labour.

TENS Machine (Transcutaneous Electrical Nere Stimulation)  

Four small pads are placed either side of the middle of your lower back.

Small electrical impulses are then passed from the box through the pad and disturb the pain messages being sent from the womb to your brain.

A specific “labour” TENS machine will have a Boost function enabling you to briefly increase the electrical stimulation during a contraction.

Advantages	Disadvantages
It has no known effects on your baby.	Not everyone likes the tingling sensation from the electrodes.
It doesn’t restrict your movement.	It cannot be used in the bath or birthing pool.
You control the intensity.	It cannot be used if you have a heart pacemaker fitted of it you have heart disease.
It can be used at home or in the latent phase right up until your baby is born.

Water

Using a birthing pool during labour can promote relaxation and has been shown to reduce the need for other forms of pain relief. It can help with staying mobile and finding a position that you find comfortable.

You can talk to your midwife in your antenatal appointments and when you arrive at the hospital about whether the pool is appropriate for you. Your midwife will ensure that the water temperature remains within a comfortable range, particularly if you choose to give birth in the water.

You will be encouraged to drink when you are thirsty when using the pool to avoid dehydration and to leave the pool at regular intervals to empty your bladder. You can also use Entonox (gas and air) whilst in the pool.

At Worcestershire Royal Hospital, the Meadow Birth Centre offers three dedicated birth pool rooms, along with an additional room (Daisy) that does not have a built-in pool but can accommodate an inflatable one. Additionally, there is one birth pool room available on the Delivery Suite.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Provides a relaxing and peaceful environment.	Use of water during labour and birth is not suitable for everyone. Discuss with your midwife whether a birthing pool would be suitable for you.
You can use gas and air whilst in the pool.	You cannot be in the pool if you decide to have other forms of pain relief- for example an epidural or Remifentanil.
The water helps you to move into different positions.	You cannot use the pool for 4 hours following a pethidine injection.
You don’t have to exit the pool to give birth.

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Medication

There are also a number of medications available to help relieve pain during labour and birth.