Tips for Pain Management During Normal Delivery

Delivering a baby is hard work but the cramps need not be as bad as you might imagine. Labour pain varies from one pregnancy to another. Some might feel severe pressure, while for others, it might feel like the usual menstrual pain. In fact, 46% mothers have reported that the pain they experienced with their firstborn was way better than they expected, according to a nationwide survey by the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

However, if you are an expectant mother, it is better to have a pain management plan in hand. So, here are some painless normal delivery tips.

Breathe and Relax

One of the most common ways to reduce the pain is to relax both your mind and body. This can help you bear the contractions well. Try not to think about the pain and what is in store during the delivery. Calm your mind and keep yourself from getting tense. Tranquilizers are often suggested by doctors to help prevent anxiety. Additionally, try deep inhaling and exhaling throughout. This will help release the pain and the sensation will slowly fade away.

Epidurals

Depending on the severity of the situation, a variety of pain-relieving medicines are available. Epidurals are the most effective for vaginal birth. Medical science has advanced to an extent where one strong shot is not administered anymore, leaving you completely numb. Instead, a continuous drip is given to help you stay active. This is injected into the spinal cord lining and the amount is increased or decreased, according to the situation.

Hydrotherapy

Immersing your body in a tub of lukewarm water to deliver the baby is a therapeutic experience. This particularly works great during early and active labour. The warmth keeps you relaxed and can help reduce the pain. This can also help you avoid medical interventions that might otherwise be required during and in between strong contractions. If you are a healthy woman with a low risk pregnancy, consider including hydrotherapy in your birthing plan.

Active Movement

Large birthing balls with anti-slip finish are excellent ways to roll during pregnancy. This can soothe the pain and also help progress your labour from one stage to the next. Try to engage in mild physical movements, like walking and swaying from time to time. This way, you can use gravity to your advantage and help push the baby downward. In fact, the size of the pelvis also starts to increase. Choose a birth setting where your movement is not restricted and you are allowed to squat, lean or stand, whenever required.

Massage

Rubbing your hands and feet is another one of the painless normal delivery tips, which has been practiced since ancient times. Counter pressure on the Kunlun point on the foot can ease labour pain. Ask the midwife or your partner to apply light pressure and massage the points for a few minutes. This can also help keep uterine contractions under control.

Before going into labour, talk to your doctor and review your pain care options. With some good preparation, you are sure to overcome the challenges.