Pain Relief
Occasionally, midwives encounter cases of painless birth, and most women undeniably agree that labour and birth are painful. There are many different theories on the physiological reasons for labour pain. Hence, many varied ideas about how best to cope with it. Evidently, pain is individual. Therefore, the best strategies will vary between women and different stages of labour.
Following, we explore the natural and medicinal alternatives for pain relief. We also study the potential side effects of the use of drugs during labour. Generally, these are excellent resources for expecting parents and professionals.
Articles on Pain Relief
TENS during labour
For increasing your comfort without using medication have you considered TENS during labour? Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is one of the many pain relief options you have. It’s non-invasive and doesn’t use medicine – it uses electrical energy. Using TENS during labour is considered safe for you and baby. How does it work? A TENS machine is a small, handheld device. Sticky pads with small electrodes are placed on your skin (usually your lower back). The electrical impulses
Ouch that hurts! Coping with the pain of labour
“I couldn’t put in my mind what pain I would suffer. It was the worst pain I’ve ever had in my life. I can see the pain you know. Not feel it, I can see it.” (Laura) “I just feel so empowered, so strong, so amazed that my body could…well yeah, just follow its instincts so utterly, so exquisitely-to just know what I needed to do. It’s like a reference for me in my whole life of the
Epidural Anaesthetic
An epidural anaesthetic is performed by a specialist doctor known as an anaesthetist. As revealed, epidural anaesthetic is where an injection of local anaesthetic (sometimes mixed with an opiate such as pethidine or fentanyl) is given into the epidural space (an area located around the spinal cord). Evidently, an epidural anaesthetic is given to relieve pain in labour It helps reduce high blood pressure (if it is a problem in labour), and before a caesarean birth. Additionally, the epidural
Nitrous Oxide for Pain Relief in Labour
Nitrous Oxide (N20) is otherwise known as laughing gas. It is an anaesthetic gas that has been used since the beginning of the last century. It is commonly used during surgery and as a pain relief method during labour. A lot of people will have come in contact with Nitrous Oxide at their dentist. Nitrous Oxide is mixed with oxygen. The concentration of Nitrous Oxide that a woman in labour receives varies between 30 to 70%. Nitrous Oxide is
Pethidine for Pain Relief in Labour
Pethidine is a widely used drug for pain relief in labour. Pethidine is a similar drug to morphine and heroin. These three drugs are from a family of drugs known as opioids. Opioids basically are morphine-like drugs. Morphine is a natural drug that can be extracted from the opium poppy, whereas pethidine is synthetically made. Pethidine was first used in Germany in 1940 to reduce pain in labour and its use has continued to the present day. Initially, when
Hypnosis to Reduce Pain During Labour and Birth
A different way of pain management. Most women you encounter who have given birth vaginally will tell you… it hurts! However the way in which women describe labour pain varies. Some experience it as something akin to severe muscle pain like you might get if you over-exercised, for others it’s like really bad period pain. Some women perceive the pain as productive – proof that their baby is on the way – and others as agony akin to torture.
Is Chinese Medicine Safe During Pregnancy?
The question of "Is Chinese medicine safe in pregnancy?" is one of the most commonly asked questions of TCM practitioners by pregnant women. In short, the answer is both ‘Yes’ and ‘No’. There are a number of acupuncture points and herbal ingredients that are either cautioned or contraindicated for use during pregnancy. Women can rest assured, however, that all Chinese Medicine professionals registered with the Chinese Medicine Registration Board of Victoria (CMRB*) will know how to safely modify cautioned