Learning all you can about labor and delivery is one of the best ways to help you manage the pain of childbirth when the time comes. Pain during labor is caused by contractions of the muscles of the uterus and by pressure on the cervix.
This pain can be felt as strong cramping in the abdomen, groin, and back, as well as an achy feeling. Some women experience pain in their sides or thighs as well. Other causes of pain during labor include pressure on the bladder and bowels by the baby's head and the stretching of the birth canal and vagina.
Pain during labor is different for every woman. It varies widely from woman to woman and even from pregnancy to pregnancy. Women experience labor pain differently — for some, it resembles menstrual cramps; for others, severe pressure; and for others, extremely strong waves that feel like diarrheal cramps. It's often not the pain of each contraction on its own that women find the hardest, but the fact that the contractions keep coming — and that as labor progresses, there is less and less time between contractions to relax.
To help with pain during labor, here are some things you can start doing before or during your pregnancy:. Regular and reasonable exercise that your doctor says is OK can help strengthen your muscles and prepare your body for the stress of labor. Exercise also can increase your endurance, which will come in handy if you have a long labor. The important thing to remember with any exercise is not to overdo it — and this is especially true if you're pregnant.
Talk to your doctor about what he or she considers to be a safe exercise plan for you. If you and your partner attend childbirth classes, you'll learn different techniques for handling pain, from visualization to stretches designed to strengthen the muscles that support your uterus. The two most common childbirth philosophies in the United States are the Lamaze technique and the Bradley method.
At this point you're focused on your newborn anyway. Some women feel guilty if they opt for labor pain medication, as though they've somehow failed or put their babies' or their own well-being at risk. In fact, epidurals and other pain-relief drugs are quite safe, says William Camann, M. What's more, the benefits of epidural may last long after your baby is born. According to Gilbert Grant, M. Even if you opt for an epidural or other medication, using relaxation techniques can boost your ability to handle the pain, says Leslie Ludka, C.
Rhythmic breathing, visualization, meditation, self-hypnosis, and other relaxation strategies taught in classes such as Lamaze , Bradley Method, or HypnoBirthing may help keep your mind calm and your muscles loose. Other effective techniques include massage, walking, taking a bath or shower, and applying ice or heat. Whether you plan to use labor pain medication or go natural , try to be flexible.
While medication can take much of the pain out of giving birth, delivering naturally can give you a great sense of accomplishment. Here's her advice: "Differentiate between pain and suffering. Pain can be managed, but if it becomes overwhelming, medication may prevent suffering. It takes a lot of pushing and stretching to move a baby the size of a melon through a cervical opening that starts out as the size of a kidney bean.
Yet when a muscle is overly tired, the natural chemistry and electrical activity within the muscle tissues get out of balance. These physiological changes produce the cause of labor pain.
The cause of labor pain mostly originates in the stretching of the cervix, vagina and surrounding tissues as baby passes through. Community, collaboration, and evidence-based information are more valuable than ever. Take advantage of your member benefits. For the best experience, you can use Chrome or Safari. Thank you. Back Guidelines, Statements, Clinical Resources. Back Education and Career. Back Events. Back In the Spotlight. Back Podcasts. Back Quality and Practice Management. Back Research and Publications.
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