How to relieve contractions during childbirth. Pain relief in childbirth. How to make childbirth easier

The birth of a child is one of the most pleasant and at the same time difficult events in a woman's life. Expectant mothers are not able to cope with the fear of pain on their own. Despite the fact that nature has laid down a certain mechanism of reactions in the body to reduce sensitivity, the genetic memory of "birth in agony" takes over. To help, special techniques have been developed and applied to anesthetize contractions and make them less painful. There are also medical methods that minimize the suffering of the woman in labor.

Physiology of pain

Contractions are part of natural childbirth. Their occurrence means the beginning of the opening of the cervix and the movement of the child to the exit from the female womb, but not the expulsion itself. By definition, pain means some kind of defensive reaction, a signal from the body to the brain about problems. But in the case of childbirth, it has differences.

Why pain occurs during contractions:

at the end of pregnancy, the uterus becomes a huge muscular organ of the body, its compression, accordingly, is felt most intensely;
contraction means involuntary compression and displacement of the longitudinal and transverse fibers of the muscles;
during contraction, compression of the nerve endings and tension, tension of the ligaments in the uterus occur;
with an increase in the intensity of contractions and a decrease in the interval between them, the woman's body gets tired and does not have time to switch, there is a feeling of excruciating pain.

Before attempts, the nature of sensations changes. To the general pain during contraction, strong pressure on the perineum is added. This is a reaction to the insertion of the presenting part of the child into the pelvic inlet. Increasing discomfort in the sacrum. Before the very expulsion of the fetus, the peak of sensations falls locally on the vagina, rectum and perineum.

What causes pain during contractions:

psychological state - fear, stress contributes to the release of adrenaline, which exacerbates sensations;
the duration of labor - an exhausted body is not able to adequately respond to events, so the pain intensifies;
the presence of complications - a large fetus, breech presentation, other pathological conditions of the woman in labor affect the nature of the pain.

Modern research shows that the more actively a woman mentally tries to intervene in the process, the more difficult it is for her to cope with pain during contractions. All mammals, which include humans, are born in a similar way. But the difference in the perception of a natural process and something terrible directly affects the sensation as a whole.

Anesthesia methods

The environment in which the woman lives helps to endure contractions before childbirth correctly. Calmness, friendliness and confidence of the staff, a sense of security set the pregnant woman in the right mood. It is easier for her in this state to accept what is happening, manage her emotions and control sensations.

There are two main methods that are used to anesthetize contractions during childbirth: medicinal and non-medical. In the first case, drugs with different active substances are used. This group includes antispasmodics, analgesics, and drugs with narcotic and sedative effects.

In most cases, drugs are effective when it comes to real anesthetics used in modern obstetrics. But they are not suitable for independent use and have a number of contraindications. The main drawback of painkillers during contractions is the penetration of the active substance to one degree or another into the mother's blood and through the placenta to the child.

A non-drug or independent method that helps to survive contractions during childbirth refers to the professional psychological preparation of pregnant women. It includes special types of massage, the use of water, special breathing, postures, relaxation, aromatherapy and more.

Do contractions in the hospital give pain relief? Yes, but not always. It all depends on the specific case and indications. You can count on the help of medical staff, subject to a preliminary agreement on the delivery under epidural anesthesia.

Self-pain relief

The main component of the success of using any independent methods that suppress pain is the development of techniques during pregnancy. Practical self-help skills can be obtained at special courses for future parents.

How to relieve pain during childbirth on your own:

master self-massage, memorize relaxation points on the body;
stand in a comfortable position or move, do not sit still;
if there is no strength or desire to walk around the room, it is better to jump or sway on the fitball;
learn to breathe correctly during contractions and attempts, at the peak of pain;
if the equipment of the clinic allows you to use water procedures.

The combination of several methods gives the maximum effect. By massaging the sacrum, you can breathe correctly in parallel. Experienced women still manage to sway on a fitball or walk.

Massage. We are talking about stimulating local areas on both sides of the spine in the sacrum. In order to block pain impulses in this way, it is necessary to press not weakly. Mothers who have tried pressing dots to ease contractions during childbirth note that the position during manipulation did not really matter. Some massaged their backs while standing or leaning slightly forward, others sitting on a fitball, and others were helped by their husbands.

Breath. To anesthetize contractions during childbirth, breathing is used. It is also a way to relieve discomfort, relax muscles and saturate tissues with oxygen. Controlling the actions taken helps the woman in labor and distract from thoughts about the painful contraction of the uterus.

How to breathe contractions:

while the pain can be endured, it is important to breathe deeply, economically - inhale through the nose and exhale long through the mouth;
as the intensity of sensations increases, there is a desire to shrink into a ball, to tighten up - you can’t do this, you need to try to relax your muscles with all your might, you can stroke your stomach from top to bottom;
it will no longer be possible to breathe in this period measuredly, so you should move on to the “dog-like” method - often, quickly, intermittently;
with the onset of attempts, attention switches to the obstetrician - she tells you when you need to breathe through the contraction, and when to take in air and push the exhalation “down”.

For greater comfort, it is recommended that the woman in labor take off excess or restrictive clothing, and ventilate the room as often as possible. It is good if there is a humidifier in the room. Useful for woman skill unwind and relax. No less important are attempts to rest in between contractions: close your eyes, plunge into half-asleep.

Medical methods

It is almost impossible to completely anesthetize labor pains. Even the most potent drugs suppress the feeling of incompleteness. But this is not required, to control the course of labor activity, it is important not to “turn off” the pain, but to make it less pronounced.

There are three main ways to anesthetize contractions in the hospital:

intramuscular injection - a woman, more often in the thigh, is injected with antispasmodics, analgesics, opiates, sedatives or a special mixture of them;
epidural anesthesia - an anesthetic is injected into the space near the spine, the woman in labor ceases to feel the body below the catheter;
laughing gas - nitrous oxide and oxygen is inhaled by the pregnant woman with each contraction, common in Europe and the USA.

For short-term and incomplete anesthesia of contractions, the so-called lytic mixture is most often injected intramuscularly. It consists of promazine hydrochloride, promedol, diphenhydramine and novocaine. The cocktail is injected if 2 or more hours are left before the alleged attempts, there are no contraindications from the woman and the child. It is also administered with severe anxiety of the woman in labor.

What painkillers can you drink during contractions:

antispasmodics: No-Shpa, Drotaverine;
antispasmodics + analgesics: Spazmalgon, Baralgin, Revalgin;
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory: Ketones, Emodol.

Any independent use of drugs should be under the supervision of doctors. But - Shpa during contractions will not give a result, even if the dosage is correctly selected. The wrong dose of other pills, untimely intake or the presence of contraindications can only harm. Labor activity will subside or become uncoordinated.

Does baralgin relieve pain during real contractions? Usually not, only the intensity of sensations decreases. Taking such drugs is considered one of the methods for testing training uterine contractions from real ones.

Trying to reduce pain during contractions or endure to the end - a woman must decide for herself. There are also situations when strong tension is contraindicated and the birth of a child occurs exclusively under anesthesia. Childbirth without pain should also not cause a false sense of guilt. This is fine.

Partner childbirth is always a big responsibility: whether a friend, husband or one of the relatives will be with the expectant mother, he should become support and, if possible, alleviate the suffering of the woman in labor. Teachers at prenatal training courses often mention ways to alleviate the suffering of a woman due to contractions, but we decided to systematize this information.

1. Facial massage helps to get rid of stress and relax;

2. Remind the expectant mother to go to the toilet every hour: a full bladder is not only very unpleasant, but also increases the feeling of contractions;

3. Put a cold compress on the neck and face of the woman in labor or lightly moisten with cool water;

4. If doctors do not forbid, you can offer a woman water and light snacks - they will help replenish the energy that the expectant mother loses during contractions;

5. Help the woman in labor to change her position to speed up the process of dilating the cervix. Some positions will be painful, others will give a little respite from pain, your task is to find the best option for her;

6. During contractions, the expectant mother suffers from back pain: massage her lower back, lightly press on the sacrum. Also, the “on all fours” position helps to cope with pain;

7. Be there: Even if a woman doesn't want to be massaged during contractions, feeling the presence and support of a loved one is very important. Encourage her with words, hold her hand;

Light shower. Many doctors agree that water perfectly relaxes muscles and relieves pain, so if there are no contraindications, you can help a woman take a warm shower;

9. Try to distract a woman from pain: if her condition allows, talk to her, listen to your favorite music, read something interesting. Be an intermediary between the woman in labor and the medical staff;

10. Remind her that soon the pain will pass, and the expectant mother will be able to hold her baby in her arms - this always works.

Video: Childbirth without pain

The appearance of contractions

Many first-time moms worry they'll miss the offensive. contractions. In the last weeks of pregnancy, false contractions are observed, which are taken as harbingers of childbirth, but real contractions cannot be confused with anything. Harbingers of contractions can be: discharge of amniotic fluid, the appearance of a mucous plug that clogged the cervix, dull pain in the hips or back. The first contractions are similar to pain and cramps during menstruation, but soon these sensations intensify. When contractions become regular, it's time to rush to the hospital. When the situation stabilizes, the duration of contractions is from 40 seconds.

This is the beginning of the first stage of labor, when the cervix begins to open. If it's the first birth, the muscles of the uterus can contract for 10-12 hours, so don't be scared or worried. You will have a formal survey and the first examination at the maternity hospital, you may be asked to take an analysis for the presence of protein and sugar. If the water has not broken yet, you can take a shower.

Video: How to survive a fight

Comfortable contraction positions

You can relieve pain, or at least get a little distracted, by changing body positions - a birth partner can help you with this.

vertical position. Effective at the initial stage of contractions: you can lean against a wall or bed. You can sit on a chair (facing the back), leaning on a pillow. To make it softer to sit, another pillow can be placed on the surface of the chair. Lower your head on your hands, breathe calmly and measuredly, spread your knees to the sides;
Kneeling or with support. During contractions, you can put your hands on your husband's shoulders and lean on your feet. Ask for a relaxing massage. You can also kneel, spread your legs, and lower your hands on the pillow. Try to keep your back straight;
"On knees". It is most convenient to take this position on the mattress: make forward movements of the pelvis, try to relax between contractions, resting your head on your hands. If you transfer the weight to your hands, then reduce the back pain that the baby's head causes in cephalic presentation (it rests directly on the mother's spine). In the intervals between spasms, you can walk around, massage can be performed by your partner - pressure in a circular motion on the base of the spine is especially effective;
Movement helps to cope with pain from contractions - it is worth walking in intervals, keeping your back straight, then the baby's head will rest against the cervix and the opening process will go faster. Try to relax during breaks, focus on breathing. Visit the restroom more often - a full bladder is not the best feeling, and it can interfere with the progress of the fetus.

Second phase of labor or pushing

For a woman, the most difficult time is the end of the first phase, the contractions become long and painful, and also very frequent. At this point, the woman needs help and support, as you may be faced with tears, depression, the expectant mother may begin to feel chills or begin to fall asleep. Breathe with her, support her, wipe away sweat. If you see that the woman in labor is cold, take care of a warm bathrobe and socks. If you start pushing, call the midwife.

The second period is the expulsion of the fetus, so in addition to contractions, the woman in labor needs to make her own efforts, listen to the guidance of the midwife. The duration of this period is up to several hours.

Video: Breathing during contractions and attempts

Poses for the second phase of childbirth:

"On knees". Under the influence of gravity, the lumen of the pelvis opens faster, but you can quickly feel tired. It is best if the husband sits on the edge of the chair and spreads his knees, and you can comfortably sit between them and rest your hands on his hips;
On the knees. Less tiring position, it reduces pain. It is best if your spouse supports you so that the body is more stable. If you feel tired, lean on your hands, but keep your back straight;
Sitting on the bed. If it's not very comfortable, cover yourself with pillows. With the beginning of attempts, you can lower your head down, and clasp your legs with your hands, do not forget to rest in the interval.

childbirth

During this period, all that the expectant mother needs is to listen to the instructions of the doctors. As soon as the baby's head appears, you will no longer need to push, relax, catch your breath. After a few contractions, the baby's body will also appear: after the little miracle is placed on the woman's stomach, the torment is quickly forgotten. Then the baby is taken for examination: the neonatologist makes control weighing, measurements, cuts off the umbilical cord.

After giving birth, women are often given an injection that increases uterine contractions so that the placenta comes out faster, otherwise, if you wait until it comes off naturally, you can lose a lot of blood. This issue is discussed in advance with the doctor, as well as anesthesia.

Childbirth is a tedious and complicated process, but all the unpleasant sensations are forgotten when you hold the baby in your arms for the first time.

Preparations for pain relief of childbirth really bring relief to the woman in labor. However, it should be remembered that they are prescribed strictly according to the indications, since they have a complex effect on the entire body, not only mothers, but also the child, they have side effects, and in some cases complications can also occur. That's why expectant mothers should not rely on a miracle shot or a magic pill. Fortunately, today there are many opportunities for obtaining information on how to make the birth of a baby as comfortable as possible for both him and his mother: training manuals and courses for pregnant women talk about effective self-help techniques in childbirth, one of the most effective methods among which is massage during childbirth. Thanks to it, pain can be significantly reduced. And all this - without the use of medicines and medical interventions!

Why is there pain during childbirth?

pain is provoked by intense contractions of the muscles of the uterus,
stretching of the birth canal and perineum,
muscle spasms,
compression of large vessels in the pelvic area,
individual characteristics, such as the structure of the pelvic organs or the low pain threshold of a woman, when it is very painful even with a slight impact.
psychological reasons: fear of childbirth, expectation of something unpleasant and unknown, general tension.

It is important for every woman preparing to become a mother to remember: there is no constant pain in childbirth. And in fights, and in attempts, unpleasant sensations increase gradually, and also gradually subside, giving way to periods of rest. And the right massage at the right time during childbirth will completely reduce pain to a minimum.

How does birth massage work?

Massage during childbirth has a beneficial effect on the entire nervous system, and through it - on the entire body of a woman: it allows you to relax, relieve nervous tension and fatigue in the muscles, distract yourself from painful sensations and even anesthetize contractions. The mechanism of such a beneficial effect of massage during childbirth is quite complicated.

Its first stage is the excitation of skin receptors in the massaged area. Then the impulse is transmitted throughout the central nervous system, in which a favorable response is formed. Massage during childbirth activates the production of natural stimulants - hormones and enzymes that play the role of natural adaptogens that contribute to the rapid adaptation of the body to a stressful situation.

In addition, massage helps to increase blood circulation and better oxygenation of tissues and organs of both the woman herself (which also has an analgesic effect on childbirth) and the fetus, which prevents the development of oxygen starvation.

7 types of massage during childbirth

It is possible for both the woman in labor and her assistant (husband, mother or midwife) who is present during childbirth to do analgesic massage during childbirth.

Follow simple rules:

You can massage during childbirth with dry hands (the main thing is that they are warm, since a feeling of cold can provoke a reflex muscle spasm) or with the help of special creams and gels that improve gliding over the skin and may contain pain-relieving contractions components. Do not be discouraged if you forgot the massage cream during the preparations for the hospital. You can always ask the midwife for some Vaseline oil.
It is possible to use aromatic essential oils - they contribute to deeper relaxation. But at the same time, you should find out in advance whether the expectant mother has allergic reactions to them and whether they cause an increase in blood pressure.

Which birth massage is right for you?

1. Acupressure during childbirth

Until the contractions are in full force, you can limit yourself to acupressure during childbirth. It is useful for the expectant mother to remember where there are two important points that will need to be influenced during childbirth. The first is located on the back of the hand in the recess between the thumb and forefinger (it is clearly visible if the fingers are spread wide apart). The second is on the inside of the lower leg four fingers above the ankle (this is the area of the ankle, where the bones protrude from the outside and from the inside). Apply continuous pressure to these points, keeping your finger perpendicular to the surface of the body. Movements should be short, pulsating, and last no longer than a minute. Then you should take a break for a couple of minutes and continue the impact in a given rhythm. It is clear that both the woman in labor and her assistant can do such a massage during childbirth. The correct effect on the active points contributes to the intensification and pain relief of contractions, the cervix opens faster, and all this happens without increasing pain.

2. Stroking the abdomen during a contraction

At the beginning of each contraction, you can gently stroke the lower abdomen. To do this, place your palms on its lower part and with light movements massage the stomach with your fingertips in the direction from the center to the sides and back. At the moment of intensification of the contraction, the intensity of pressure can be increased, but only slightly. If an assistant does massage during childbirth, then it will be more convenient for him to sit behind her.

3. Massage of the sacrum during childbirth

Women who are familiar with menstrual pain often note that the sensations in the first stage of childbirth are similar to those that occur on “critical days”: the lower abdomen aches and the lower back hurts. In this case, massage in the sacrum (this is the area that is just below the waist) helps a lot. What is special about this area? The secret of the pain-relieving childbirth effect when exposed to it is simple. The fact is that the sacral nerve plexus is located here, which is associated with the organs of the small pelvis and is responsible for their innervation. When this zone is stimulated, the transmission of a nerve impulse to the uterus and other organs is blocked, thus, it is possible to reduce pain.

Massage of the sacral region can be done with one hand or both at once, with the pads or knuckles, the base or edge of the palm, a fist or a manual massager. The main thing is that the impact is intense enough: pressure, active rubbing, patting and tapping are acceptable. If desired, you can cover not only the sacrum, but also a wider area around it.

A powerful, pain-relieving contraction effect can be achieved by pressing on the dimples above the buttocks - the exit points of the sacral nerve - the impact on which brings noticeable relief.

4. Massaging the iliac bones during contractions

This method is based on the principle of transferring the source of pain. Just as we rub our temples to relieve a headache, during contractions you can rub and massage the iliac bones of the pelvis, which are located below the waist on both sides of the abdomen. You need to stimulate them both at the same time, using active rubbing. This type of massage during childbirth can be combined with the stroking of the lower abdomen already described above (in this case, hand movements should go from the ilium to the center and back), as well as with hand movements along the inguinal fold from the ilium to the perineum - this improves blood circulation in the uterus .

5. Massaging the buttocks during childbirth

Important reflex zones are also located in the buttocks - at the exit of the sciatic nerve. To find them, you need to mark an imaginary center on each buttock (as a rule, there is a small hole there, when pressed on which mild pain can occur). Rolling the center of the buttocks with your fists or pressing on these points with your thumbs helps to relax the muscles of the pelvic floor - this is a great way to distract a woman from labor pains.

6. Massaging the thighs during contractions

Rubbing the inner surface of the thighs with the palm of your hand is an excellent technique that relieves contractions. To do this, lie on your side and, pressing your palm tightly against the skin of the inner surface of the thigh, stroke it from the groin to the knee and back. As the intensity of the contraction increases, the pressure on the thigh should also increase.

7. Massage between contractions

In the period between contractions, it is not recommended to touch the skin of the abdomen, as this is fraught with too intense an extraordinary contraction. However, this is where massage really comes in handy! The assistant can stretch the woman's neck and collar area, upper back, give a general light relaxing massage of the whole body so that the woman in labor can calm down and restore strength before the next contraction. It is important to remember that lying on your back is undesirable, since the inferior vena cava can be clamped and blood circulation in the pelvic organs is disturbed.

Anesthetize contractions with massage: alone or with an assistant?

The choice of positions for massage during childbirth depends on the individual characteristics of each expectant mother: the body itself tells you exactly how it is more convenient for him to position himself during the massage: on his side, standing on all fours, lying or sitting on a fitball, in a knee-elbow position - it all depends on you.

If you have an assistant, then the choice of possible poses will be wider. For example, postures in which a woman in labor, kneeling or on straightened legs, seems to hang on her assistant, holding her hands on his neck - while the lower back relaxes well, and the partner can additionally massage her sacrum. The convenience of childbirth with an assistant lies in the fact that in this case it is possible to combine different types of massage during childbirth, for example, a woman strokes her stomach and rubs the iliac bones, while the partner acts on the sacrum.

However, the absence of an assistant does not at all mean that the anesthetic contraction of massage should be abandoned. After all, only the woman herself can know what kind of impact and on which zone she needs at the moment. So listen to your body and, focusing on your feelings, you will surely be able to choose the types of massage that are most effective for you, and help yourself to endure the period of contractions more easily.

When should you not massage?

Despite the fact that anesthetic massage during childbirth is indicated for almost all women, it is worth mentioning separately the possible obstacles to its implementation. Directly during childbirth, any touch can be extremely unpleasant for a woman. In this case, the massage will have to be abandoned.

Deviations from the normal course of labor become a serious contraindication (for example, weak labor activity, stopping the progress of the fetus through the birth canal, acute fetal hypoxia, bleeding, etc.). You will also have to refuse massage during childbirth during the installation of CTG sensors, as well as in the second stage of labor, when attempts begin.

It is clear that during childbirth the child must somehow leave the mother's womb. The uterus contracts, and the baby gradually comes out through the opened cervix and vagina. Pain during childbirth can occur due to stretching of the cervix, vagina, perineum, compression and rupture of soft tissues. Some women in labor suffer so much that their heart and breathing can be disturbed. In addition, prolonged pain often leads to premature fatigue, cessation of uterine contractions, hypoxia (lack of oxygen) of the fetus.

The question of whether it is necessary to resort to anesthesia for childbirth, each woman must decide for herself. Modern methods of anesthesia (drug anesthesia, epidural anesthesia, etc.) are considered safe enough for both mother and child, and make the process of giving birth to a baby more comfortable.

However, many experts oppose labor pain relief. First, there is a risk (albeit small) of side effects. Secondly, the natural course of childbirth is disturbed (the administration of drugs can slow down or weaken labor activity).

On the other hand, the threshold for pain sensitivity is different for everyone. Under the influence of "uncontrollable" prolonged pain, some women in labor may increase blood pressure, increase the pulse rate, and weakness in labor activity may occur. It harms the health of mother and child. In such cases, it is wiser to resort to anesthesia than to suffer unbearable pain.

However, it is best to prepare for childbirth in advance. With the help of the so-called psychoprophylactic preparation, it is possible to increase the threshold of pain sensitivity and facilitate the course of childbirth. It is believed that a woman who is psychologically ready for childbirth, who is well aware of all the stages of the birth process, who knows how to breathe properly, who knows the methods of self-elimination of pain and is focused on the result, may well do without anesthesia. In such cases, childbirth is not associated with "pain", but with the expectation of a miracle, great happiness - an early meeting with the most beloved and wonderful person that you have been waiting for so long.

There are several ways to reduce the pain of childbirth.

Psychological preparation

Birth pain is exacerbated by ignorance. Therefore, learn more about the birth process. Relevant information can be obtained from pregnancy schools, antenatal clinics or from specialized literature. Women who are psychologically ready for childbirth find it incomparably easier to give birth.

childbirth in water

A warm bath relaxes, distracts, has a good effect on labor and even improves the blood supply to the fetus. Staying in warm water can significantly reduce the pain of a woman in labor during the first stage of labor, when the cervix dilates. However, before filling the bath, seriously weigh the pros and cons of this type of childbirth.

Reflexology

Some clinics use acupuncture for pain relief. It relieves pain during labor pains and normalizes labor activity. In Russia, this method is not yet very popular, most likely due to the lack of professional acupuncturists.

Medication pain relief

They tried to anesthetize childbirth many years ago. For this, drugs were used, such as morphine, tincture of opium, and nitrous oxide. The main disadvantage of these methods was the negative impact of narcotic painkillers on the fetus. In particular, they can cause a weakening of breathing in an infant.

In modern obstetrics, of narcotic analgesics, promedol is most often used. It has a good analgesic effect and less than other drugs affect the child.

Often, due to painful prolonged contractions, women in labor spend a sleepless night. Accumulated fatigue can interfere at the most crucial moment. In such cases, drugs that induce sleep are prescribed.

Before giving a woman painkillers, be sure to consult with an obstetrician-gynecologist and anesthesiologist.

Epidural anesthesia

This is a relatively young method of anesthesia. The doctor inserts a thin needle between the vertebrae and injects an anesthetic under the dura mater of the spinal cord. In this case, local painkillers are used: lidocaine, marcaine, ropelocaine and others. After the introduction of the drug, any sensitivity below the level of its administration is temporarily blocked.

Epidural anesthesia has its drawbacks. On the one hand, good pain relief is provided, but on the other hand, a woman cannot push effectively. Therefore, immediately before the birth of the child, epidural anesthesia is suspended. In addition, in rare cases, epidural anesthesia can cause headaches and pain in the back, which haunt a woman for quite a long time after childbirth.

Sometimes epidurals are necessary for medical reasons, such as fetal misalignment, twins, and some complications of pregnancy or childbirth.

Fear of pain during childbirth is rooted in the soul of a woman from the very beginning, and even after giving birth once, she can continue to be afraid. Why it occurs is understandable, everyone says that there is nothing more painful than childbirth. Someone compares labor pain with fractures of 20 bones at once, someone says that it was the biggest pain in his life.

If you are expecting a baby, you, of course, do your best to set yourself up for positive. Thanks to the availability of information comes the understanding that this is a natural process that should not cause much pain. By the end of the term, you calm down and the desire to end the pregnancy becomes stronger than these fears. But the question of whether childbirth is facilitated still remains. Even the most self-confident person should have hope that if it suddenly hurts too much, they will help him.

Do they give painkillers during childbirth?

Of course, it is possible to make childbirth easy and painless, and analgesics during childbirth in one form or another are now used in almost 90% of women in labor. You can do it in such a way that a woman will simply oversleep them, and she will have to be woken up at the most crucial moment.

Pain medication during childbirth has even become a source of additional income for maternity hospitals; almost everywhere you can get this service for a fee (we are talking about epidural anesthesia). In the antenatal clinic, you can be given a list of things necessary for the maternity hospital, so far it may also contain medications designed to weaken contractions.

You now have plenty of chances to think over childbirth, although from the point of view of what is best for mother and child during physiological childbirth, a birth without drugs is, of course, preferable.

How to anesthetize childbirth

There are several options to make childbirth painless. They differ in efficiency and safety. Another question is whether it is necessary. Sometimes loss of pain sensitivity is vital. For example, if the contractions are strong, frequent, but ineffective, and the cervix does not open.

The following methods are used for this process:

Physiological. This is a relaxing massage of the lower back, calm music, special breathing techniques and exercises, bath and shower.
Spinal and - a special injection during childbirth in the spine with the introduction of drugs to the spinal cord. The most reliable and modern method. Such an injection during childbirth begins to act literally after 5 minutes, completely relieving pain.
Other drugs are also used during childbirth, which are administered intramuscularly, intravenously and in other ways. These are mainly antispasmodics, narcotic analgesics and drugs that affect the central nervous system. Even nitrous oxide (an anesthetic) is used, which a woman breathes through a mask, independently adjusting the degree of anesthesia.
Acupuncture and other physiotherapeutic methods of influence. Not applicable in all hospitals.

It also happens: at the end of the second stage of labor for about 40 minutes - 1 hour there are very intense, frequent contractions, leading to full disclosure of the cervix. The fatigue that has accumulated over the past hours makes itself felt, there is a strong feeling of pressure on the bottom, the baby presses his head on the cervix and sacral plexus, the head is pressed tightly against the entrance to the small pelvis and there is very little left before the baby is born.

A woman who says a firm "no" to any medical intervention may simply break down at this time. It is at such moments that a woman in labor most often screams - do me a caesarean, do at least something, stop it! But right now it's too late to do anything. If a woman in labor is given a medicine that really relieves pain, the baby may have complications after birth, for example, respiratory depression.

And then the necessary injection is given as a placebo. For example, a no-shpa is introduced, which does not have any effect on the uterus at all. This injection is done only to calm the mother, while she will wait for his action - she will have time to give birth.

How to relieve pain during childbirth on your own

The severity of pain during childbirth largely depends on how the woman in labor perceives the birth act. If you resist contractions, tighten up, then your body quickly gets tired and you begin to feel pain. It often happens that a woman initially expects pain during childbirth and thereby provokes its appearance. It's a vicious circle - the more you resist the contractions, the more the pain, the more the pain, the more you tighten up. The uterus is working hard, but the cervix cannot open - you do not let her do it with your fear.

The pain syndrome increases due to the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles of the uterus and its resistance to itself: some muscles work to open, while others spasm and do not allow to open. Due to the fact that at present, almost all expectant mothers have the opportunity to attend childbirth preparation courses, and you have the opportunity to learn in advance how to anesthetize childbirth on your own.

In the courses, you will learn everything about special breathing and relaxation techniques in childbirth, about exercises that help, you will tune in to the fact that giving birth is not painful, and should not be painful. It’s good if you have a partner with you during childbirth, not necessarily a husband. Even your mother, aunt or girlfriend can act as an assistant during childbirth. She needs to go to these courses with you. Here they will teach you how to make a relaxing massage during childbirth, breathe with the woman in labor, support and guide her at the right moment.

Yes, childbirth cannot be completely painless. Unpleasant sensations, of course, will be. Partly on how much it will be unpleasant and painful for you, you can influence yourself. And remember that if you suddenly can’t cope - there are alternative ways to relieve pain, analgesics are used during childbirth, if you need it, they will help you.