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Relaxation and Pain Management During Labour
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Pain is a natural part of labour and every
woman is unique in the level of pain she can tolerate. Women also
have varying success with the kind of activities or interventions
that can help decrease their labour pain and increase their comfort.
Outlined below are types of activities and relaxation suggestions.
Walking (only if possible).
Water therapy (e.g. shower or tub).
Sitting on a rocking chair.
Keeping a restful environment in your labour room (quiet, low
lighting, soothing music).
Using various positions during labour and delivery.
Massage/back rubs by birthing partner.
Applying warm or cold compresses.
Relaxation/breathing techniques.
Meditation using calming imagery.
For some women, as labour progresses and contractions become
stronger, their pelvic pain worsens or they get too tired to
cope, relaxation techniques no longer provide enough relief.
Pain medications are commonly used at that point, and your
physician or midwife will explain the benefits of each type and
will help you select the appropriate medication that is safe for
you and your baby. You may want to discuss medications in
advance of labour with your doctor or midwife.
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| Regional Anaesthesia (Epidural or Spinal)
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| You might reach a point in active labour that
comfort measures and/or medication are no longer giving you adequate
pain relief, your physician or midwife may order regional
anaesthesia to provide stronger pain relief. The anaesthesiologist
inserts a needle in your lower back to administer regional
anaesthesia. The goal of regional anaesthesia, especially after your
cervix is completely dilated, is to reach a balance between easing
your feeling of pain and still feeling the urge to bear down to
actively participate in delivering your baby. Once you have this
type of medication you are generally not allowed out of bed.
Talk to your physician or midwife in advance of labour about
regional anaesthesia. The one drawback from the regional anaesthesia
would be finding a balance between the numbness and feeling the
stress your pelvis can take.
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| Labour Positions
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| Try and work out what positions are easy to
maintain and hold before you go into hard labour. If you know your
pelvis becomes to unstable with knees apart inform your coach and
delivery team about this issue to insure care is taken to not worsen
your condition. Below are some labour positions for you to try. If
you decide to have an Epidural still be mindful about how far your
knees are apart.
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| Hospital Bed |
3 Labour Positions |
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| Home Made Leg Support
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| If you are having trouble opening your legs
and are concerned that when you are in labour you might open your
legs to wide and cause more pain; here is a suggestion to try at
home and if needed be applied during the birthing process.
Experiment at home with a piece of string, lying on your back, with
knees bent, slowly and gently pull apart your bent knees until pain is
the indicator on how far apart you can tolerate. With the string,
measure the width circling under your bent knees. Experiment with
different items and textures, e.g., scarf, mans trouser belt, even a
pelvic belt, to find which gives you the most comfort and support. Just
remember to take it to the Hospital with you.
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| In the Maternity Ward
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| Think about making an appointment with the
Charge Nurse [Nurse who heads the unit] for two reasons. Firstly so
she can see the hardships you already have been coping with and you
can voice your concerns about what type of treatment you would like
to have, [since there is not a standard and practiced treatment plan
for women with pelvic joint pain and/or dysfunction]. Secondly to
discuss what aids the Maternity Ward has. They will probably only
have the basics. The aids you would require would be more readily
available in the Orthopaedic or Rehabilitation Wards.
Speaking to the Hospital before your delivery date could give
them time to make other types of aids available to you. You can also
find out what type of follow-up care the Hospital can offer, such
as:- offering you rehabilitation after you're discharged, organizing
home visits by a District Nurse, [a Nurse that comes to your house].
If you have an Infant Welfare Nurse ring her after the birth and let
her know your limitations and see what help can be offered.
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| A Birth Plan (that works for you)
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| List items on your birth plan in order of
importance, especially labour positions and pain management. Discuss
your Birth Plan on a regular basis with your Doctor or Midwife to
reduce misunderstandings during labour. If you've done your homework
and found a person and place to fit your needs, you will have more
time to focus on the joyous occasion. Be flexible You may need to
deviate from your ideal plan. Birth is too unpredictable.
Go to
hospital list to view an example of items you might consider
when going to the Maternity Hospital to have your baby.
Go to
birth plan
to view an example of items you might consider or require for
your labour plan.
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