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Pain relief during the birth

Not all women will experience childbirth the same way. You may hear and read about other women’s preferences for pain relief during labour, but what is right or wrong for them may well be different for you.

Breathing and relaxation exercises

Slow rhythmic breathing will put you into a more relaxed state that should help you cope better. Find out about classes that can teach you breathing techniques before the birth.

Pros of breathing and relaxation exercises

It is effective for some women.
It does not affect the baby.
You are in control.
It can be used alongside other pain relief.

Cons of breathing and relaxation exercises

It may require other pain relief or techniques.

Self-hypnosis

Self hypnosis helps the body to reach a deep state of relaxation. You will need to learn the techniques before the birth so remember to visit a qualified practitioner in plenty of time to do this.

Pros of self-hypnosis

It is effective for some women.
It does not affect the baby.
You are in control.
It can be used alongside other pain relief.

Cons of self-hypnosis

It may require other pain relief or techniques too.
You need to learn and practise the techniques before the birth.

Complementary therapies, such as aromatherapy or reflexology

This works by using different stimulating agents to help you reach a relaxed state to help you cope better with labour. Talk to your midwife to find out what you can do at your hospital.

Pros of complementary therapies

It does not affect the baby.
You are in control.
It can be used alongside other pain relief.

Cons of complementary therapies

Some remedies are not advisable, so you need to talk to a qualified practitioner who knows what remedies are safe and ask your midwife’s advice.
You will probably not be allowed to burn candles or essential oils in a hospital labour ward.
It may require other pain relief or techniques too.

Water

A warm bath can help some women relax in early labour even if you don’t plan a water birth. Discuss whether you’d like a water birth with your midwife early in your pregnancy as special arrangements need to be made.

Pros of water

You are in control.
It does not affect the baby.
It can be used alongside other pain relief (except TENS, pethidine or the epidural).

Cons of water

It may not be available if the hospital is busy.

Exercise/swiss ball

Gently rocking or bouncing will ease lower backache and help relaxation for some women. It’s also useful for support in different labour positions. Check with your midwife that swiss balls will be available on your delivery ward.

Pros of exercise/swiss ball

It does not affect the baby.
You are in control.
It can be used alongside other pain relief.

Cons or exercise/swiss ball

It may require other pain relief techniques.

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)

This small machine is attached to your back and sends out tiny electrical pulses that can trigger pain-relieving endorphins. It is worth hiring or buying a machine so that you have it at the start of labour. Try the machine first (after 37 weeks) so that you can learn how it works.

Pros of TENS

You are in control of the levels of intensity of pulses.
It does not affect the baby.

Cons of TENS

You must begin to use it in early labour for maximum effectiveness.
Not all women find it effective.
It cannot be used in the bath or shower as there is danger of electrocution.

Entonox (gas and air)

Using a mask or mouthpiece, you breathe in a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen at the start of, and during, a contraction. Can be used in between using a TENS machine or while sitting in a warm bath/pool.

Pros of entonox

It takes the edge off the pain.
You can use it at any time during the labour.
You are in control of how often and when to use it.
It does not affect the baby.
It is easy to use.

Cons of entonox

It is a mild painkiller and doesn’t get rid of all the pain.
It may make your mouth feel dry.
It may make you feel sick.

Injections (meptids, diamorphine or pethidine)

Given by injection into a muscle – usually your leg or bottom. Each drug works differently. But they all help you to relax. Find out in advance which injections your hospital offers and talk to your birth partner and midwife about them.

Pros of injections

It may help you to cope better with contractions and sleep in between them.

Cons of injections

Vary, depending on the drug you take - talk to your midwife.

Epidural or CSE (combined spinal epidural)

An anaesthetist will set up a drip through which the anaesthetic goes. It blocks pain messages to the brain by numbing the nerves in the lower back. The amount you get depends on the stage of labour you are in and how much pain relief you want.

Pros of the epidural

It can offer complete pain relief for 90 percent of women.
Your mind stays clear.
It brings down high blood pressure.
It has little effect on the baby.

Cons of the epidural

You might need help to deliver the baby, such as forceps or ventouse.
It can’t be offered for home births because they need to be given by an anaesthetist.
A very small number of women have a severe headache during and following the birth.
It may slow down contractions, which can lead to a need for drugs to stimulate labour.
It can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, which is treated by giving you extra fluid.
You will be less mobile.

Find out in advance if your hospital has anaesthetists on call to offer a 24-hour epidural service.
Find out if you can have a low dose epidural that will allow you some movement.

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