Pain relief in labour

As the birth of your baby approaches you are probably wondering how you will cope with labour. For some women natural methods such as massage or relaxation techniques are very useful other prefer painkillers. However you see your 'ideal' birth it is worthwhile researching the painrelief alternatives in advance.

TENS

This is a non-drug form of pain relief. TENS stand for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, it is a small machine which gives out pulses of electricity through pads stuck on your back. You will be able to adjust the strength of the pulse depending on the pain you feel with each contraction. The machine wroks by preventing pain signals reaching your brain and also by encouraging your body to produce more natural endorphins.

PETHADINE

Pethadine is an painkiller which is either given in injection form or intravenously. It is also mixed with an anti sickness medication as it can cause sickness. In the intravenous method you can control the amount of medication you receive although the hospitals which provide this are few and far between. Pethadine can be used up until your midwife believes the birth is getting close, it cannot be used too close to the birth as this could affect your baby.

ENTONOX (GAS AND AIR)

This is a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide.It can be used at any point during labour and the effects ware off quickly

EPIDURAL

This is an injection into your back In general epidurals are given at between 4 and 6 cms dilated

	Advantages	Disadvantages
TENS	Portable	Many find that it ony works for the first half of labour
	No long lasting effects	You might be asked to remove it to montiro your baby heart
	Can be used at home	Cant be used in a pool and could prevent massage.
PETHADINE	Many women findit effective against pain	can cause you to be very drowsy and 'out of it'
	Some midwives will use it for a home birth	Can cause sickness and dizziness
		It can slow labour
		It crosses the placenta and can affect you baby's breathing
		Your baby may need an injection after birth
		Your baby may be drowsy and difficult to feed following the birth.
ENTONOX	doesnt affect your baby	Only a mild painkiller
	Can be used at home	Can make you dizzy and sick
	Can be used in a birthing pool
EPIDURAL	Most women find them very effective.	Pain relief can be partial
	Does not cause any feeling of confusion.	you may be stuck in bed
		You may need a catheter
		Can increase the length of labour
		Your babys heart will need to be carefully monitored
		Not availible for home birth