Vote For A Pain-Free Labour ! (Preparing for Birth)

Member Name: karenuk

Product:	Preparing for Birth
Date:	14/01/01 (37 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: can help your labour experience be much easier than otherwise, various pain relief available

Disadvantages: some side effects, don't always work effectively for everyone

There are some experiences you can prepare for and others you just can't. Labour is in the latter category. I mean, of course, there are some things you can do :
- you can visit the hospital you are going to give birth in
- you can ask your other mother friends about their experiences
- you can read magazines and books on the subject
- you can ask the midwife lots of questions
In fact, I suggest you do all those things, but you can never be fully prepared for such a unique experience as giving birth.

I have had four children myself and each labour has been completely different. If I ever get pregnant again, the only certainty is knowing a fifth labour would be a totally different experience to my previous four.

But you can do a certain amount of preparation regarding the various forms of pain relief available. Again, consult your friends, ask the midwife, read the magazines.

Do your research early, because you are not going to be in much of a state to think logically and rationally, if you have to decide these things during labour, after not giving them a thought beforehand.

You can mention your thoughts on pain relief on your birth plan, so the midwife has an idea of your wishes.

There are some women who decide to opt for a "natural birth" and that is fine, if they are sure. Personally, I don't like pain, so if there are ways of avoiding or minimising pain, I am ready and willing to listen and learn !

The TENS machine works by generating small electronic currents, which are supposed to dull the pain. I haven't used this myself, but have heard it is a bit hit and miss. However, if it works on you, it is good as it does not affect the baby and is not painful or intrusive.

An epidural injection is often used in planned Caesareans, as this enables the mother to stay awake throughout the birth, but with her lower half numbed, so she cannot feel any pain.


Again, I haven't used this myself, but there are side-effects (the most noticeable being headaches in a large percentage of women) and those I know who have had an epidural have described it as a strange feeling, like being paralysed. But again, if it works for you, great.

Personally, I have used gas and air (Entonox) and Pethidine in all my labours and have found that is enough to get me through the labour.

I don't have quick labours either, with my first taking twelve hours, my second baby (and the smallest at 6lbs 1oz) taking only six hours, then my third and fourth taking eight hours. I was hoping by the fourth time, my body would have known what it was doing, but unfortunately not, no "shelling peas" for this mother !

The gas and air is inhaled through a little plastic tube you hold between your teeth. The gas is in a canister at the side of the bed and don't be surprised if you use so much, that you need another bottle !

This has the same effect as copious glasses of wine, except for the hangover ! It basically makes you feel high and often drowsy. You will probably talk rubbish too for some of the time, but don't worry, the staff know what to expect and will assure your partner that you don't really mean everything you're saying !

I have a bit of a problem with the gas and air initially, as I don't like feeling high (or drunk), so I don't inhale properly at first. (I know, it sounds like a President !!) But as the pain becomes worse, I will soon inhale correctly and it is very effective, with no side effects for you or the baby.

Pethidine is usually the next form of pain relief you are offered, once the gas and air doesn't seem to be doing the trick anymore. This is an injection into your leg. This also shows I *need* this pain relief, as I am scared of injections, so once I feel I would prefer the injection to the pain, it is a good indication that
I need the Pethidine !

This does help you cope with the pain, but has a few more associated risks. If it is taken too close to the delivery stage, the baby can be a little drowsy when it is born, although this can be counteracted by giving the baby an injection shortly after birth.

The hospital staff will be able to judge this and advise you accordingly - and they can give you half a dose of Pethidine, if this is the better option.

Although I would recommend Pethidine if you really feel you need something more than just the gas and air, I had a bad experience with it during my third labour.

I was on my own for a few hours of this labour, with my partner looking after my other children and the hospital staff busy with the other patients.

During this time, I'd had the Pethidine and was drifting in and out of sleep. It was around 6am and I could hear birds singing and the sound of ambulances. Well, I was dreaming and hallucinating, so these imges combined into visions of Song of the South type bluebirds on ambulances - most bizarre.

But worst of all was when a nurse came in to see me and I thought she was trying to kill me ! So do be careful and if possible, have someone in the room with you, as they can reassure you and hopefully stop the paranoia.

The main priority of everyone during the labour is to produce a healthy baby safely, so even if you have pre-set ideas about what pain relief you want or don't want, you must be prepared to be flexible. Listen to the hospital staff. You are all working towards the same goal after all. Here's to many safe deliveries, healthy babies and (fairly) pain-free labours !

Summary: