Pain relief during labour

For many women, excitement about their baby's birth may be overshadowed by worry about pain during labour. Build up your confidence by preparing for the intensity of contractions, by understanding your own limits of pain tolerance, and by learning about methods of pain relief. Try to think of the pain in a positive way - each contraction brings the birth of your baby nearer.

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  Coping with pain

  The kind of pain you'll experience during contractions varies. Very often, it feels like a thick band being squeezed around your abdomen as the uterine muscles harden and tighten for a few seconds before relaxing.
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  Pain-relieving drugs

  Drugs give you relief from pain but they can affect your experience of childbirth in other ways. Make sure you opt for the type that will help to improve, rather than detract from, the pleasure of your baby's birth.
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  Relief without drugs

  Make sure you know as much as you can about your chosen pain-relief method, and you've shown your birth coach the technique, before you go into labour.
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  Drugs for labour

  Drugs for labour are used to prevent or start labour or for associated problems. Among the most commonly used drugs during childbirth are epidural anaesthetics.
  
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