How to alleviate and independently anesthetize contractions and attempts during childbirth in order to better endure them? Pain relief during childbirth How to relieve pain during childbirth

Childbirth is very rarely painless. However, pain has been developed in the process of evolution as a protective reaction of the body, and we can control it.

In order for childbirth to be easy, a woman should feel safe, and the birth of a baby should take place in a calm and friendly environment. In addition, there are a wide variety of methods that are used to relieve the pain of childbirth.

There are pharmacological and non-pharmacological anesthesia of childbirth. Undoubtedly, the latter option has several important advantages: the absence of side effects and effects on the child and ease of use.

Physiological (non-drug) methods of labor pain relief include relaxation, breathing exercises, active behavior, massage and water treatments. In order to be able to use the entire arsenal of these methods, you need to master them in advance - even during pregnancy.

Learning to relax during childbirth

When preparing for childbirth, it is very important to learn how to relax. The fact is that stress quickly drains strength, and hormones produced in response to stress, which, as a rule, inevitably occurs when a woman is very tired during childbirth, reduce the effectiveness of uterine contractions.

Prolonged stress reduces the oxygen supply to the baby, and also affects the heart rate, impairs blood circulation, and causes headaches for the expectant mother. By learning to consciously relax, a woman is able to manage stress levels and avoid many unwanted complications.

What needs to be learned? You can master the relaxation technique by following these recommendations. Sit comfortably. Try to relax the muscles of the face first: they are connected with the internal organs. Open your jaws, let your chin drop. Then focus on the muscles in your neck and upper back. You can turn your head a little, without straining your muscles, as if rolling your head from side to side. Relax the parts of the body, causing a feeling of warmth in them and accompanying this process with positive thoughts: “Everything is going as it should”, “I feel light and calm.” Imagine some pleasant image that evokes a feeling of inner peace and joy: the warm rays of the sun, swimming in warm water. Then move on to relaxing the right arm, then the left, then the muscles of the legs and perineum, while imagining the arms and legs hanging freely. Remember your feelings. At the time of the fight, it is desirable to remain in a relaxed state. But this relaxation is not passive, but an active conscious process that requires concentration of attention.

With an increase in regular labor activity, a woman’s positive attitude towards a favorable completion of childbirth should not weaken. It is important to shift your attention from pain to something else, for example, focus on proper breathing, which is very helpful in childbirth.

Proper breathing during childbirth

Special breathing techniques are recognized as one of the most effective ways to anesthetize childbirth.

What is the effect based on? It turns out that when certain types of breathing are used in childbirth, there is a supersaturation of the blood with oxygen (hyperoxygenation), which causes the release of endorphins into the blood. These substances are also called hormones of joy or happiness. They also affect the threshold of pain sensitivity of a person. The more endorphins are released into the blood, the higher the pain threshold, that is, for the expectant mother, contractions become less painful and she tolerates them much easier. This explains the analgesic effect of breathing. In addition, the uterus is a muscular organ and requires oxygenated blood to function effectively.

What needs to be learned? Breathing techniques are good because they can be used in any period of childbirth without restrictions, in any position of the body, during normal childbirth, and even with the development of various deviations in labor activity.

However, each stage of labor has its own way of breathing.

At the beginning of labor when contractions are almost painless, belly breathing is recommended. When the contraction begins, the woman inhales slowly and relaxed through her nose, and then exhales through her mouth for a long time, trying to stretch the exhalation as much as possible (as if blowing on water). This technique helps to relax, relieves nervous excitement and saturates the blood with oxygen, stimulating and anesthetizing contractions.
When the fights get bigger and become painful, you can apply “candle breathing”: in this case, you need to breathe often and superficially, taking short breaths through your nose, and exhaling through your mouth (as when blowing out a candle). As the contractions intensify, you need to breathe more intensively, but also very often. So you should breathe only during the fight. In the intervals between them, it is recommended to take a deep breath and exhale, calm your breath and rest until the next contraction. You can also use "tired exhalation" - this is breathing with the so-called voiced exhalation, which will help relieve stress accumulated during childbirth and replenish your strength. Remember how we breathe when we are very tired and want to throw off a heavy burden from our shoulders.
When the cervix is already fully dilated and the contractions become especially long and frequent, the strongest analgesic effect is exerted by breathing with a “train”. At the beginning of the fight, you need to breathe with your stomach, which allows you to save strength. As the pain increases, it is recommended to breathe more often, and at the peak of the contraction most intensively. As soon as the pain begins to subside, breathing should be evened out and calmed down.
In the second stage of labor, when the fetus begins to move through the birth canal, attempts begin. They are accompanied by a sensation as if the bowels wanted to empty (due to the fact that the head of the fetus is pressing on the rectum, located next to the vagina). At this stage, it is important for a woman in labor to avoid premature attempts and relax as much as possible, helping the baby to descend through the birth canal. Breathing “doggie” helps to restrain attempts - while doing frequent and superficial inhalations and exhalations through the mouth, which resembles the breathing of a dog. In addition, it has a strong analgesic and relaxing effect.

Childbirth pain relief: an active movement

Another option for natural pain relief is active behavior during childbirth. It lies in the fact that a woman during childbirth can behave freely: constantly change positions, move around the ward or corridor, looking for the most comfortable position for herself.

What is the effect based on? Firstly, movements allow you to distract yourself from pain, which in itself significantly reduces pain. Secondly, if a woman does not move, then the overall blood flow decreases, less oxygen enters the muscles of the uterus, which is energy fuel for them, and due to this intensifies the pain. And with active movement, the blood flow increases, more oxygen is delivered to the muscle tissue of the uterus and the pain is not felt so much. Thirdly, as noted above, the feeling of pain depends on whether a woman is tense or relaxed: the more she tenses, the more painful she becomes, and vice versa. Quite often, women completely stop moving during a fight - as if they freeze because of fear of pain. But such behavior will not allow you to hide from pain, but only increase it. So, in addition to the techniques of conscious relaxation in such situations, constant motor activity will come in handy, because during movement the muscles naturally tense up and then relax, so their excessive overstrain is excluded. It becomes easier for a woman to relax, which means that the pain will be felt less.

What needs to be learned? It is important to know what movements are acceptable during childbirth. They are very varied. And if the birth proceeds without complications, then there are no special restrictions, except that you cannot sit on a hard surface and make sharp and jerky movements. It is allowed to calmly walk around the hall and the ward, lean to the sides and forward, wiggle and rotate the hips, make turns with the whole body and sip, step from foot to foot, squat shallowly, arch your back, squat with knees apart, kneel, spreading them to the sides, stand on all fours, etc. Often postures with the use of a large gymnastic ball (fitball) bring relief in childbirth - on it you can sway, spring, rotate the pelvis, etc.

If, for medical reasons, you have to give birth in a prone position, then it’s worth moving here too: you can bring your legs together and apart, shake your pelvis, turn from side to side, and make springy movements with your hips.

Pain relief massage during childbirth

Massage is a great help in reducing pain during childbirth.

What is the effect based on? The use of massage techniques allows you to switch attention from pain during a fight to tactile sensations from a massage effect. Impact on certain points and zones on the body during contractions allows the expectant mother to reduce pain and relax better. So, for example, massage of the sacral region (lower back) has a rather strong analgesic effect. In this zone, there are nerve nodes that innervate the uterus and other organs of the small pelvis. Massaging the sacrum during a contraction stops the transmission of the nerve impulse, and the pain decreases.

What needs to be learned? A woman can perform massage on her own, and if a husband or someone else from her relatives is present at the birth, then it is more convenient to entrust him with it. Massage of the sacral area can be done with one or two hands, pads and knuckles, the base of the fist, the base of the palm, the inside of the palm, or a manual massager. Movements during the massage can be stroking, pressing, you can pat, pinch and even lightly tap.

A massage of the protrusions of the pelvic bones on the sides in the lower abdomen will also help to distract from the pain and easier to survive the contractions. These bones should be affected in the same way as the sacral zone: press and release, stroke, pinch. Experiment and choose the effect that will be most effective.

During the contraction, you can gently stroke the lower and upper abdomen in a semicircle. These movements soothe and help the woman to relax.

Massage of the inner surface of the thigh helps to reduce pain and relax as much as possible (the recurrent nerve that innervates the pelvic organs passes in this area). It is more convenient to do it lying on your side or sitting on the ball. Press the inside of the palms against the inside of the thighs at the groin. During the contraction, move your hands with pressure, without lifting your palms, to your knees and back to your groin.

If you are planning childbirth with your husband, then he should learn the simplest massage techniques.

Eight: take a large pillow and ask the expectant mother to kneel, spread them gently to the sides, sit on the heels and rest her forehead on her hands crossed on the pillow. This position is quite often used during contractions, it is convenient to massage the back in it. Putting your hands on the shoulders of a woman, we draw a figure eight - the palms meet on the lower back and on the coccyx. Then, with the back of your hands, run your hands along the spine from the bottom up and draw the figure eight again.
Screwing in: clench your hands into fists and twist them into the lumbar region with very light movements, without pressing on the spine itself. Gradually increase the pressing force, but do not forget to focus on the feelings of the expectant mother. It should tell you the strength and area of pressing.
Acupressure: with your thumbs, press on the points along the spine from the bottom up, retreating two centimeters from the protruding processes, and go from the sacrum to the cervical region. At more sensitive points, you can stay longer.
Foot, neck and shoulder massage often brings relief and helps to relax. First, the foot should be rubbed up and down with quick but light movements, and on both sides. The heel and pads of the fingers should be massaged in a circular motion separately and with effort, paying attention to each, then press on the hollows between the fingers. Finish this massage by stroking the foot. Begin massage of the neck with stroking, performing smooth, light movements with the palms from top to bottom. Then start rubbing, retreating 2 cm to the left and right of the protruding bone processes of the vertebrae (in this case, the back half of the neck, as it were, is wrapped around the thumb and forefinger). Next, gently knead the muscles of the neck, including vibration techniques, patting and tapping. The massage ends with stroking.

Water procedures for labor pain relief

Water is an affordable, safe and enjoyable remedy. The use of water for healing purposes is an ancient method that has proven its effectiveness. In the absence of contraindications (premature effusion of amniotic fluid, high blood pressure), it is allowed to take a warm bath or shower in the first stage of labor.

What is the effect based on? Warm water reduces pain during contractions, relieves muscle and emotional tension, helps to relax in between uterine contractions. In addition, the body weight in the water is less, and the woman giving birth often feels more comfortable. You can also wash your hands from the elbows to the wrists in cool water, thus blood circulation is activated and fatigue is relieved.

As you can see, the pain during childbirth can be overcome. Tension and expectation of pain slow down the birth process, while proper breathing, relaxation, comfortable body position and massage help to move the baby's head through the birth canal and make it easier to give birth.

Pain during childbirth can vary greatly in strength. Even in a single woman who has given birth several times, contractions can be from barely noticeable to barely tolerable. Therefore, very different methods of anesthesia for childbirth are used. What - we will tell.

What determines the pain of childbirth

No obstetrician can accurately predict how painful contractions will be. The conventional wisdom that pain becomes weaker with each new pregnancy is true, but not always. It depends on many factors:

individual characteristics of a woman in labor: her pain threshold, character traits, the quality of psychological preparation for the process of giving birth to a baby, the state of the muscles of the pelvic floor and soft tissues of the perineum;
the size and position of the fetus in the uterus;
the state of the cervix, the presence of dense cicatricial deformities in it;
activity of labor activity and the regularity of contractions.

But there is situations in which pain during childbirth occurs much more often. Here they are:

hormonal dysfunction before pregnancy, manifested by irregular painful menstruation;
the first birth or the interval between subsequent births is more than 5 years;
and induced labor when the cervix is not yet softened;
strong contractions under the influence of oxytocin (intravenously or in a lozenge) and vice versa - long-term labor;
a large fetus or a mother's pelvis that is narrow for the size of the child (anatomically or clinically narrow pelvis);
after the discharge of amniotic fluid.

In all these cases, the woman in labor herself or the doctors can significantly reduce the pain so that the memories of childbirth do not become the worst nightmare in a woman's life.

Psychological pain relief

Nature made sure that the birth process took place under the influence of "hormones of joy" - endorphins, the level of which rises rapidly with each new contraction. These substances reduce all uncomfortable manifestations, relieve tension and help to feel emotional uplift. A simple feeling of fear suppresses the formation of a natural hormone and thereby increases sensitivity to pain.

A very important moment in childbirth is the mood of a woman. Many pregnant women associate the word "delivery" with the words "in pain." Constant negative thoughts and "winding" yourself will lead to even more fear. Proper psychological preparation for childbirth is a guarantee that the birth of a child will take place in a more comfortable environment.

The most important thing is to be in a positive mood.. You need to change your attitude towards pain. Think about the fact that the increase in pain is not a test that cannot be avoided, but a "bell" that advises you to change your body position, relax your muscles, breathe properly. And the most important thought should be that you are waiting for the birth of a little person. Take your mind off negative thoughts.

In Africa and Brazil in ancient times, when a woman went into labor, the man would go to bed, scream and complain. It was believed that this removed part of the psychological burden and distracted the woman in labor. If you think that this will help, ask your spouse to lament instead of you - this will be the “coolest” whim, which you will remember with laughter for a long time to come. So childbirth is fun!

Remember, all the emotions you experience are passed on to your child. Let him be born without fear.

Poses for pain relief

A position that alleviates discomfort, a woman must choose herself. A certain position during childbirth will relieve pain, help you relax.

If your doctor has given you permission to get up and move around, try different body positions - sitting, lying down, standing. During a contraction, the following postures can reduce pain:

Lean on the wall, back of a chair or bed with weight transfer to your hands.
Pose on all fours.
Sitting on a fitball or a children's inflatable circle.
Squat down with your knees out to the sides.
Lie on your side and bend your knees.

Massage during childbirth

Massage movements during childbirth can be performed by the woman in labor herself or by the husband in the case of partner childbirth. Options:

Massage the sacral area with the fingertips, fist or palm with an intensity that will bring relief to the woman.
"Iron" - massage of the inner surface of the thigh. Strongly pressing the palm to the thigh, movements from the knee to the groin and back, as if ironing yourself.
A distracting maneuver can be massaging or strong pressure on the iliac spines during a fight.

The massage technique and its intensity, which will help reduce discomfort, is individual for each pregnant woman. Don't be afraid to try it yourself or ask your birth partner to massage these areas. You can use neutral massage oil.

Breathing techniques to reduce pain

All breathing exercises that are used during childbirth are aimed at relaxing the muscles of the body.

The first breathing technique during childbirth involves rare breathing (up to 8 per minute). The respiratory rate is normally about 16 breaths per minute, while the pregnant woman makes short breaths and long exhalations through almost closed lips with this method during a contraction.

The second method consists of several short exhalations. Imagine that you have a feather in front of you that you want to blow away. After a short breath, take a few short exhalations, as if blowing off a feather.

Count the inhales and exhales that you do: this will help you get distracted and not concentrate on the wedding. Read more about proper breathing during childbirth.

Childbirth and water

Warm water relaxes muscles and relieves pain. If possible, during the first stage of labor, you can take a bath or warm shower.

This method is only appropriate if there is a bath in the delivery room. It is not recommended to stay in the shower at home for a long time if you have already started contractions, and even more so practice at home. Such experiments without medical supervision can lead to disastrous results.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture can be used to reduce labor pain levels, but the method is not common. There are not many experts in this area.

Medicinal methods

Medical anesthesia is used in the following cases:

Restless behavior of a woman due to severe pain during contractions.
premature birth.
Excessively strong generic activity.
Gestosis of the second half of pregnancy.
Somatic diseases (arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus).
obstetric operations.

This method has contraindications:

The presence of a scar on the uterus from operations that were performed earlier. This is due to the existing threat of uterine rupture: with the introduction of analgesics, the doctor will not be able to recognize the onset of the development of this formidable complication.
Onset of labor or opening of the uterine os up to 4 cm: due to the risk of stopping labor or causing weak contractions.
Allergy to drugs, especially those used to relieve pain.

Several groups of drugs are used to anaesthetize childbirth:

Antispasmodics (drotaverine, papaverine, baralgin).
Tranquilizers (diazepam, seduxen).
Narcotic analgesics (promedol).
Inhalation anesthesia (nitrogen-oxygen mixture).
local anesthetics.

Antispasmodics are medications that relieve the tone of all smooth muscles. These substances, in addition to reducing the level of pain, regulate the process of opening the cervix.

tranquilizers rarely used in obstetrics. During childbirth, they are used once, since there is a proven negative effect on the unborn child.

Promedol is a narcotic analgesic for labor pain relief, which is widely used in obstetrics. It relieves pain and muscle tension of the cervix. But there is evidence that this drug depresses the baby's breathing at birth.

The inhalation method of pain relief consists in inhaling a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide by the expectant mother. In some cases, even a simple oxygen mask brings relief.

Epidural anesthesia

It is the "gold standard" among the methods of labor pain relief. Providing good anesthesia leads to a negative point - the birth is a little delayed, and the woman cannot fully push in the second period, because she does not feel the onset of the contraction. This method also has its own, which you can discuss with your doctor even before the start of labor.

Remember, you are on the threshold of the birth of a new life. Therefore, do not wait for pain, wait for your child!

Each period of labor has its own types of breathing, but the basis for all is the same: abdominal breathing. In order to train it, put your hands on your stomach and try to breathe so that your chest remains motionless, and your arms (and stomach) rise and fall. And remember, during childbirth, all inhalations should be through the nose, and exhalations through the mouth, while the lips should be folded into a tube (this increases the resistance to the blown out air, and, therefore, stretches the exhalation).

So, the long-awaited contractions began, at first they were weak, not yet painful, but already unpleasant. At this time, Breathing is usually not required yet, but when the strength of the contraction increases and the first painful sensations appear, this is where the first type of breathing will help - delayed. Usually a person makes up to 17 breaths per minute and always inhale is shorter than exhale. To anesthetize contractions of medium strength, you need to breathe deeply and slowly. To begin with, a slow and deep breath for 3 seconds - exhale for 7 seconds. (It is better to train with a watch with a second hand in front of the gases). Thus, you get 6 breaths per minute. The stronger the contractions, the slower you need to breathe: inhale for 5 seconds - exhale for 10 (4 breaths per minute are obtained). And then even less often: inhale for 6 seconds - exhale for 12 (it turns out about 3 respiratory movements per minute). However, the latter option requires some training.

When the contractions become strong and painful, slow breathing no longer helps. It is replaced by the following type of breathing - wave breathing. The fight goes in waves, at first it grows, then it lasts for a while, then the strength of the fight decreases. Breathing should repeat this wave: at first, breathing is slow and deep, then the strength of the contraction increases, and breathing becomes frequent and shallow (the so-called doggy breath), then the contraction subsides, and the breathing gradually turns back into slow and deep. In between contractions, you need to relax, but if the breaks become short, and the contractions are strong and painful, you need to breathe in a slow type of breathing between contractions (so as not to “miss” the beginning of the next contraction), for example, inhale for 3, exhale for 7 seconds.

Dog breathing can be replaced with other types if desired. First - candle breathing(slow deep breath in through the nose and sharp exhalation through the mouth). More can be done respite(inhale - exhale as if breathing with a "dog" - blowing out - a little stretched, but quick exhalation). You can also " build pyramids"(inhale - exhale - blow out, then 2 "inhale - exhale" - blow out, 3 "inhale - exhale" - blow out and vice versa). It also takes the pain away. Do not forget to breathe with your stomach, as well as that you need to inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth (the exception is dog breathing - here you can breathe either only through your mouth, or only through your nose).

This breath dries out the nose and mouth. You can rinse your mouth with water, and either lubricate your nose with vaseline oil, or you can use the Aquamaris spray (both must be prepared in advance and taken with you to the roadblock).

Note! If, after the end of the fight, the head is very dizzy (“breathed” - there is an excess of oxygen in the blood), then it is necessary to create a slight hypoxia - close the nose with a hand or a blanket and breathe for a few seconds.

It is also important to move more during contractions. When the muscles work, they require more oxygen, which means that the speed of blood flow increases (and the heartbeat becomes faster), and, consequently, the blood flow increases everywhere, including in the placenta.

If you really want to scream, do not waste precious energy on it. In this case it's better sing. It is better to sing vowel sounds: “A”, “O”, “U”, etc. Take a deep slow breath in through the nose and on the exhale draw a vowel sound. You can also buzz (pull the sound "Zh"), mumble (sound "M") or itch (sound "Z").

At some point, an attempt joins the contractions. You can’t push right away - you need to call a doctor, he will evaluate the opening of the cervix and either allow you to push, or you will have to “breathe” for a few attempts. You will also have to “breathe” the moment the face is born (at this moment the midwife will say that you can’t push). For removal of attempts can be used doggy breath or sobbing(deep breath, then many small exhalations, or vice versa, many small breaths, then a smooth exhalation).

And so the doctor allowed me to push, and the most crucial period of childbirth comes - attempts. During this period, the main thing is to fully obey the midwife. But even here it is necessary to breathe properly. Breathing in a rush: a deep breath through the mouth, holding the breath (at this time, you need to look at the navel and push on the perineum (as with constipation)). SLOW exhale. The most important thing here is not to exhale sharply and not to scream. Otherwise, all the force of the attempt will go into a cry, and the attempt will be ineffective. If everything is done correctly, then for one attempt you need to push 3 times.

All these types of breathing are best practiced every day. If you devote at least 15 minutes a day to breathing training, then, firstly, it will be familiar to the body and will be remembered by itself during childbirth, and, secondly, this is training the baby. It is important for the baby that the mother trains to hold her breath during pregnancy. This will help the baby in childbirth better adapt to hypoxia.

Another component of pain is the fear of it. If you wait for the pain, it will seem very strong. You can't set yourself up for pain. When you know that the pain can be reduced, the fear also decreases. Future mothers, remember that the baby is also scared during childbirth, he does not know what will happen next. Do not forget to talk to him in childbirth, let him hear your voice - he will be calmer, because now you are the whole universe for him ... Health to you and your babies. Peaceful pregnancy and easy childbirth.
py. sy.)) that's how it is written, so I breathed. really good ... and I managed to talk on the phone))) so don't waste time screaming, it's better to breathe carefully. don't rush lol. and everything will be for-me-cha-tel-but)) if you have any questions, ask))))))))

Pain during labor is completely natural. Proper breathing, comfortable posture, massage will help to cope with them. Sometimes doctors resort to medication or blockade.

From generation to generation, mothers and grandmothers tell their daughters that giving birth is painful. Yes, the process itself is unpleasant and painful, but modern medicine and folk methods can significantly alleviate the condition. The female body is very strong and can withstand the tests that nature sends to it. To be prepared for all this, it is important to know how to ease the pain of contractions. There are special controls, breathing techniques, medical support and much more.

How to ease the pain of contractions

What kind of pain during contractions is observed in a woman, determine her individual characteristics and the value of the pain threshold. In addition, the size and location of the fetus in the womb, as well as the number of births transferred earlier, if any, are of great importance.

There are several techniques for suppressing pain. These can be medications or conservative methods. For special exercises and other methods, little preparation is needed. Unlike drugs, massage and proper breathing will not harm the baby, but for this you can try. But under some circumstances, these gentle methods may not be enough.

What methods to resort to, you need to decide even during pregnancy, then the birth will be easier, and the expectant mother will not worry about this. After all, some of the sensations that she experiences during labor are directly related to her emotional state.

What to do to relieve labor pain

Not always drugs are the only way to suppress the discomfort and pain during labor and delivery. For a future mother, the main thing is a positive attitude. A woman should remember that everyone has gone through this and there is nothing as terrible as it seems. Passing such a difficult test, she gives a new life, and very soon she will hold her baby in her arms.

Simple rules and techniques will also help relieve pain:

massage or self-massage;
toilet room every hour;
cold compress on the neck or face;

Massage or self-massage will not only help you relax, but also relieve stress and tension. Doctors recommend that a woman in labor go to the toilet every hour for a reason: a full bladder puts pressure on the internal organs and makes contractions even more painful.

A cold compress on the neck or face activates the receptors and relieves discomfort. But you can also relieve muscle tension with the help of a shower. Water relaxes and calms. If the doctor does not prohibit, you can drink water, and also eat nutritious snacks: they will help replenish the energy that a woman loses several times faster during childbirth.

In addition, the support of loved ones is of great importance. Recently, partnerships have become popular. Opinions about their expediency differ, but one thing is for sure: if a mother or a beloved man is next to a woman in labor, it will be much easier for her to cope with stress and pain.

During contractions, discomfort occurs throughout the body due to muscle strain, but the lower back, as well as the lower back, suffers the most. In this case, massage helps a lot. Pressure on the sacrum relieves spasm and relieves the condition.

It is equally important to breathe correctly. This is taught even before childbirth in classes for expectant mothers, so you should not skip them. They also tell you what the pain is like. Breathing should be slower than usual, calm, and at the peak of the contraction - intermittent and frequent.

The movement and position of the body will help not only to suppress pain, but also speed up the process of delivery. It is necessary to help change the position of the woman to the most convenient for her.

Proper body position can speed up the process of opening the cervix and relax a tense body.

When moving or walking, the baby's head puts more pressure on the neck and causes it to open more rapidly. When contractions become more frequent, it is better to take a vertical position: this will give the woman a break and gain strength.

Among the poses that facilitate labor activity, there are the following:

position on all fours;
leaning on the back of the bed with the support of another person;
kneeling position with support on a chair or bed;
sitting on a special ball for a pregnant woman.

It is important for a woman to take exactly the position in which she will not be hurt and comfortable. It may be necessary to change positions several times, so the help of the medical staff or loved ones is simply necessary for her. It will be easier for those who have not given birth for the first time: they already know all the sensations and know in advance a comfortable position that will help to cope with colic.

Medical pain relief during contractions

Among medicines, it is worth highlighting drugs that suppress pain, as well as those that help to calm down and relieve psychological stress.

Tranquilizers and barbiturates

They do not relieve pain during contractions, but they help to cope with tension and suppress anxiety. For many women, this is enough, because part of their discomfort is intensified due to panic and fear.

However, such drugs can adversely affect labor activity. A woman can lose control over what is happening, and a baby can lose activity during the birth period.

Painkillers or sleeping pills

They are used with increased sensations, when a woman is not able to endure and cramping pain in the abdomen leads to loss of consciousness. But you need to take them in advance, and not wait until it becomes unbearably painful. It is best to administer the drug when preparatory contractions begin.

Such medicines are safe for the child and mother, they anesthetize contractions, and also relax the abdominal muscles, but do not weaken labor activity.

The only drawback is the risk of respiratory depression in a woman in labor or a child with large doses of drugs, as well as excessive weakness, drowsiness of a woman.

epidural complex

The most common method. Several types of anesthesia are considered:

epidural block;
spinal blockade;
spinal epidural combination.

Epidural or epidural anesthesia involves the introduction of the drug into the cavity between the dura mater and the walls of the spinal canal. With spinal blockade, the analgesic effect occurs due to the effect on the roots of the spinal cord. The drug is injected into the cavity between the soft and arachnoid membranes.

To speed up the process of anesthesia, as well as for stronger anesthesia, the methods are combined and more often a combination of spinal and epidural blockade is used.

The advantage of this method lies in the speed of pain relief: the pain disappears within a few minutes after the administration of the drug. The woman retains the mobility that is necessary for a successful natural birth, and then the contractions pass without pain. It is worth noting that a small part of the medicinal substances gets into the child, but they cannot harm him. Among the disadvantages of such anesthesia, the following points should be highlighted:

lowering blood pressure;
nausea or vomiting (very rare);
headache;
Decreased heart rate in a child.

During anesthesia, the catheter through which the medicine is delivered remains in place, and the anesthesiologist can add the necessary amount of pain medication, if necessary, while monitoring the condition of the woman in labor.

Be that as it may, the question of how to reduce the pain during contractions must be decided with the doctor on an individual basis, and it is better to do this before childbirth.

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.

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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.