It's time to start thinking about the type of labour
and birth you'd like, below are some of the forms of pain relief and
help you can choose from. These days there are lots of different
options and childbirth is remarkably safe so feel relaxed and try to
enjoy the experience, the more relaxed you are the less pain you will
feel!

Breathing

A good breathing technique can be very effective in reducing pain
during contractions and add to your feelings of control and help you to
relax. Reflex actions make us tense up when we feel pain only adding to
the discomfort. Breathing helps you focus on relaxing and lessens the
pain. Getting support from your birth partner and practising can both
help you master this technique.

Tens Machine
Tens (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) Machines work by
sending a small electrical current to stimulate your spinal nerves
through pads which are attached to your lower back, these are very
popular during the early stages of labour and many women have found
them highly effective. Some hospitals will have tens machines or you
can rent one rather than going to the expense of buying one. Ask your
midwife where you can get one.

Antenatal Classes
Ask your Midwife about antenatal classes in your area, if you are
stuck for time some areas offer a one day course. Most classes cover
breathing techniques, use of tens machines and gas & air machines.
You will also have the chance to raise any concerns you have about the
birth. Apart from anything else its a chance to meet other pregnant
women who probably have the same fears and questions as you. The
National Childbirth Trust (NCT) also run classes all over the country.
The NCT encourages more 'natural' childbirth, teaching you more about
coping with pain, fear & tension to give you more control over
labour.

Gas and Air

Gas & air is exactly that, a mixture of 50% nitrous oxide (a
strong pain killer) and 50% oxygen. You will be asked to breathe
through a mask or through a plastic tube. The mixture is most effective
when breathed deeply but at a normal rate. It will take about 20
seconds to start working and does not take away all the pain of a
contraction but it should take the edge off, helping you to conserve
your energy. Gas & air can make you feel light headed and a bit
'drunk' and a little out of control, this is where your partner can
help by communicating with your midwifwe and reassuring you that
everything is okay. The effects of gas & air wear off quickly so if
you do ever want to gain control again all you have to do is stop
breathing the mixture. There is also no evidence that it will harm your
baby as it passes through your body.

Epidural

An epidural works by inserting a very fine needle into the space in
your spine which surrounds the nerves and administering a local
anaesthetic, it is effective in giving total pain relief in over 90% of
women. There is no evidence to suggest it has any ill effect on your
baby however your babys heartbeat will be continuously monitored
through pads strapped to your stomach.The risks

There is a 1 in 20 chance of your blood pressure falling suddenly,
but this risk can be reduced by fluids provided through a drip into
your vein. In about 1 in 100 cases, the epidural may not be effective
because the needle is pushed through the membrane surrounding the
spinal cord. In about 1 in 1000 cases once this membrane has been
breached the epidural can cause temporary paralysis of your legs and a
nasty headache. Mobile epidural

This sort of epidural uses a larger amount of more diluted local
anaesthetic. Occasionally, it is less effective than the traditional
version, but it has the major advantage of allowing you to move around
freely. This means you can empty your bladder and move around once your
cervix is fully dilated, allowing gravity to help your baby's head come
down through your pelvis. There is evidence that your chances of
needing a forceps delivery are nearly the same as when you have not had
a standard epidural.

Pethidine
Pethidine can be injected into your muscle and it takes about 15
minutes for this powerful painkiller to work. Pethidine can effect your
babys breathing just after it is delivered if the last dose was given
within 3 hours. If this happens an antidote to the drug will given to
your baby

Local anaesthetic
If you need an episiotomy, you will be given a local anaesthetic
injection into the part of your perineum where the cut will be made.
This does not help relive the pain of your contractions.