Pain Relief in Labour

For centuries women have used a variety of things to help ease the pain of labour and birth. These days, you have a wide variety of options from drug-based anesthetics to more traditional methods such as heat and water. Before you go into labour your LMC will help you make a birth plan, so it is important to think about what methods of pain relief, if any, you would like to use. Each method has its advantages, and some also have disadvantages, and it is important to be able to make an informed decision. You will learn more about pain relief options during labour at antenatal classes, or talk to your LMC.

Click the links to read more:

Epidural

Pethidine

TENS

Breathing Techniques

Heat and Water

Massage

Etonox "The Gas"

Spinal Block

General Anesthetic

Alternative Therapies

1 comment for “Pain Relief in Labour”

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  trudznz - Monday, 13 February 2012 at 2:16:54 p.m.

  There is also a 'pudental block' (I think that's how it's spelt) which you need to ask about as not all anesthetists can do it. It's one I found when looking for alternatives to an epi or spinal if I needed forceps etc as there was a chance I wouldn't be able to have either due to being on anti-coagulants. It's to numb the pelvic floor.