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Understanding the causes of labour pain will make it easier for you to
cope. There are two basic factors for pain in childbirth: physical and
emotional. Learn more about these factors and what you can do to lessen
the experience of pain during labour.
Physical
Factors
Most of the physical pain in labour is caused by:
• Muscle
cramps and straining
• Medical tests and procedures (pelvic
exams, shots, IVs, catheterization, and so forth)
• Position of the baby
Your muscles are hard at work during labour and you might experience strain
and fatigue in your legs, arms, and back from the various positions and
straining. Your uterine muscles make powerful contractions in order to
dilate the cervix, and that causes cramping. To relieve these types of
pain, try relaxation techniques--they'll go a long way in allowing nature
to take its course, letting these muscles do the work they need to do.
Also, don't forget to breathe! Breathing properly will help ensure that
your muscles get the oxygen they need to work most efficiently.
Medical tests and interventions can be uncomfortable, too. But bear in
mind that often this discomfort is only temporary. Ask your health-care
provider to talk with you about some of the tests and procedures you might
need. Express your opinion about what kinds of interventions you find
acceptable. If you have a good rapport with your health-care provider,
you'll have more peace of mind. You'll feel less stress and anxiety, and
this can actually help minimize the perceived discomfort of tests and
procedures.
There are certain painful situations--such as "back labour,"
a condition caused by the position of the fetus--that are difficult to
control. However, even in back labour there are many things you can do
to help relieve the pain. Try massage, movement, vocalization, breathing,
hypnosis, and medications to cope with the pain. Also, the baby might
be encouraged to change position by massage or by your changing position.
Emotional Factors
Many negative emotions can actually increase your perception of pain:
• Fear of pain
• Fear of the unknown
•
Anxiety
• Self-doubt
• Lack of education
•
Exhaustion
• Dehydration
• Hunger
Talk with your labour support person, women who've had positive birth
experiences, and/or a professional therapist to help you develop a healthy
emotional state for labouring. Having the support of a trusted person
with whom you have good communication during labour is key to minimizing
feelings of helplessness or fear of the unknown.
Learn about the process of labour to clear up any confusion about what
exactly is going on inside your body. Get as much sleep as possible and
take it easy in the final weeks before your due date. Extra rest will
give you more stamina for labour.
And while each labour is unique, reading or listening to birth stories
of other women who've been through labour can give you a reality check
in terms of what you might expect.
With some preparation and relaxation techniques, the painful aspects of
labouring will be much easier to handle.
Source: The American College of Obstetrics and
Gynecology
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