Desert Storks

PAIN RELIEF DURING LABOUR AND CHILDBIRTH

Each woman’s labour is unique. The amount of pain that women experience is dependent on many different factors, which include:
• the size of the baby
• the position of the baby
• the dimensions of the pelvis
• the strength of the contractions
• fatigue, fear and anxiety
• previous labouring/birth experience and expectations
• many issues not yet understood
 Therefore, it is hard to predict how much pain a woman will have until she goes through labour. Some women have tolerable, controllable levels of pain, while others may benefit from some form of pain relief. Many non-medical techniques exist that can help the pain during labour, including breathing and relaxation techniques, warm showers, massage, supportive nursing care, position changes (standing, sitting, walking, rocking), and using a labour ball to name a few. However, for some women, these measures may not be enough. These women may seek a medicated form of pain relief. Read more »