Pain relief

Pain levels reported by in labouring women vary from person to person. The pain also can be influencd by fears and anxiety of the mother. It is important to learn about all the ways you can relieve the pain and how your partner or labour supporter can help you. Below are some of your options that you can choose from.

When you have decided what is right for you then note them in your birth plan. It is important however to remember you may need to be flexible. When you go into labour you may find that you may want more pain relief than you had planned, and more effective pain relief may be advised to assist with delivery.

Types of pain relief

TENS

Epidural anaesthesia

Injections

‘Gas and air’ (Entonox)

 Self help

If you don’t want any of these kinds of pain relief, you are free to say so. And if you decide you do want pain relief, ask for it as soon as you feel you need it without waiting for it to be offered.