Introduction

Most women are not comfortable with the pain during labor and prefer not thinking about it till the actual moment. There are very few women who do not experience pain during labor and commonly labor before delivery is a painful process. It is necessary to educate yourself about the techniques which you can follow to reduce pain as this can make the whole process of delivery relatively easier for you. You can then choose the technique that suits you the best. You can even discuss the pain relief techniques with your gynecologist and tell them which one you are specifically interested in so as to reduce confusion during labor.

The Lamaze Technique

These are specific breathing techniques which can be learnt at prenatal classes. This is a better option as compared to drugs or medication and it focuses on the idea that giving birth is a normal process which a woman should approach with confidence. They teach you distraction methods and how to regularize your breathing and take deep regular breaths during the time of the actual delivery to aid the process of delivery and reduce your pain.

The Bradley method

This is another natural approach to pain management during labor and includes following a nutritious diet and exercise pattern in addition to the breathing exercises taught. These classes are offered nationwide and the participation of a coach or a partner is necessary in this method. The guideline to this method is also available online.

Acupuncture

This is a traditional Chinese method and involves placing needles on certain parts of your body to help ease the pain. The scientific significance of this kind of treatment is not so clear however they can ease the contractions occurring due to labor considerably.

Massage

Certain herbal and ayurvedic massages can be done at the hands of experts in the lower back, feet and other areas to bring about relaxation and is a mild pain relief.

Warm Water Tub

A warm water bath is very comforting and relaxing and can be opted for in the initial stages of labor. However a hot tub can be very dangerous for the baby and should be avoided at all costs besides one has to see to the cleanliness of the water to prevent infection.

Sedative and Narcotic Medications

Sedative medications help the women to relax and relieve nausea or vomiting. These medicines are used in the initial stages of labor. Narcotic medicines affect the whole body and cause drowsiness thus reducing anxiety. These medicines are taken in consultation with the doctor and include medicines like Morphine, Demerol and Fentanyl.

Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation

This method includes the use of mild electric impulses on points of your body so as to block out the pain impulses and stimulate unconventional anxious pathways.

Regional anesthesia

Commonly known as epidural is a regional anesthesia involving an injection into the lower back to numb the parts from waist down. This can be done while performing a cesarean operation or during normal delivery at the active labor stage when she is just about to deliver.