Pain relief during childbirth. Methods of pain relief of contractions during childbirth. Learning to relax during childbirth

Despite the fact that the birth of a child is a natural process, it causes incredible suffering to the mother. Intense labor pains are noted during contractions, which can last quite a long time, and during the laborious period.

Is it possible to give birth without pain? How to ease contractions, to endure them more calmly? Is it possible to give anesthesia when it hurts a lot? What to do if you are afraid to give birth?

Is natural childbirth possible without pain?

Natural childbirth is always accompanied by severe pain. Their intensity is due to the characteristics of the woman in labor, her pain threshold and state of health. The degree of preparedness of the muscles for the birth process is also important.

Childbirth is divided into three stages:

contractions. During them, the cervix opens, which has a large number of receptors. The uterus begins to contract, gradually reducing the time interval between contractions. There is a stretching of the uterine ligaments, the pressure in the peritoneum increases. Soreness is felt throughout the abdomen, radiates to the lower back.
Attempts. The child moves down the birth canal, stretching them. The pain is shifted to the area of the vagina, rectum and perineum. It is sharp, has precise localization.
The birth of the placenta, or child's place. As a rule, it is completely painless.

Susceptibility to pain can increase if the woman in labor is not mentally prepared for them. The state of panic and fear has a negative effect - the release of hormones of stress and fear of adrenaline and cortisol increases spasms, it becomes more difficult to endure contractions.

Objectively, the pain can be very severe in case of premature delivery, the birth of a large baby, prolonged labor, stimulation of labor with oxytocin, and also if the woman had painful periods before pregnancy.

How to facilitate the birth process?

While pain cannot be completely eliminated, it can be reduced. Not only modern medicines come to the rescue, but also the methods of our ancestors.

A woman should be concerned in advance with the question of how to facilitate childbirth and contractions. There are several ways to anesthetize the birth process, which a pregnant woman learns about in courses for future parents.

Nature itself helps a woman: her body produces a whole complex of hormones that act as an anesthetic. Correct behavior and breathing do wonders. The woman in labor no longer concentrates so much on contractions, she is distracted from unpleasant sensations. In case of a difficult course of childbirth, there are medical workers nearby who, if necessary, will relieve the woman's condition with medication. How to behave during contractions and attempts to make them easier to endure, to make them less painful?

positive attitude

Remember that childbirth is a normal process of the birth of a person, there is no need to be afraid of them. However, you should thoroughly prepare for an important event:

Pack a bag for the hospital in advance. In the case of early childbirth, you will not have to rush around the house in search of documents and things.
Choose a maternity hospital and an obstetrician. You need to go to the maternity ward and talk with the doctor no later than a month before the upcoming birth.
Decide whether the spouse will be present at the birth of the child. If so, then he also needs to undergo psychological preparation (and make the necessary tests on time). Not all men are mentally ready to be near a woman in labor, so you need to decide on this issue as early as possible. You can take your mother or a close friend as a partner.

How can you help yourself be positive? At a pregnancy school, a woman will be given advice on how to relieve pain during contractions, set her in an optimistic mood. Indeed, very soon she will be able to press the long-awaited baby to her chest, what could be more beautiful? You need to go to childbirth with such positive thoughts and emotions.

It has been proven that nervous tension and fear have a negative effect on the opening of the cervix. A long process delivers unbearable suffering to the woman in labor, delays the time of contractions. Many women consider this period to be more difficult compared to attempts, because they pass much faster. Relaxation, calmness and faith in one's own strength will allow you to survive the contractions not so painfully.

If fear haunts a pregnant woman, she cannot cope with it on her own, it makes sense to visit a psychologist. As a rule, the specialist takes in the antenatal clinic. He will tell you how to understand the cause of anxiety, and set the woman in labor for good emotions.

Preparing muscles for childbirth in the last trimester (exercise, massage, diet)

Not only the mind, but also the body should be prepared for childbirth, because soon he will have hard work to do. During pregnancy, a woman is advised to monitor her physical health.

Easy to give birth will help:

Daily set of exercises. It aims to strengthen muscles and prevent ruptures. The most famous are Kegel exercises for the muscles of the perineum. They have been proven to reduce the risk of damage to this area and help the uterus recover faster after childbirth.
Vagina massage using natural oil. It improves the elasticity of tissues, the likelihood of injury during childbirth is significantly reduced.
Dieting. In the last month of pregnancy, you must strictly adhere to a special diet. It is recommended to give up meat, fish and eggs, limit the consumption of dairy products, reduce salt intake. Be sure to eat vegetable oils (olive, linseed). This menu contributes to good tissue stretching and easy passage of the baby through the birth canal.

Comfortable postures during contractions

During contractions, a woman needs to listen to her body and take a position that will allow her to withstand the pain. It is convenient for someone to get on all fours, arching their back, for others it is easier to squat. You can lie on your left side and bend your legs under you.

Only in the process of contractions will a woman be able to choose a position that is comfortable for herself. It is necessary to exclude pressure on the stomach, in all other respects the woman in labor is not limited.

Shower, massage, movements

A warm shower will relax and distract from suffering. Some obstetricians advise sitting in a bath filled with warm water, to some extent it will relieve pain. However, this cannot be done if the waters have broken.

Close people can give the expectant mother a lumbar massage. It is in this area that the pain is intense. During the courses, a partner will be taught how to give a relaxing massage to a woman in labor, it will definitely come in handy during contractions.

Movement in the interval between contractions will speed up the opening of the cervix. You can just walk, climb the stairs or swing on the fitball. You need to stop only for the duration of the contractions, not forgetting to count the intervals between them.

Music and aromatherapy

Music and aromatherapy are a great addition to all the methods described above. They will help to calm down and relax, and this is the key to an easy delivery. Experts note that listening to your favorite songs has a positive effect on the course of childbirth.

Aromatherapy can be used as a pain reliever. It is believed that jasmine oil accelerates labor activity, while lavender and bergamot oil calms. Rose essential oil reduces pain, for this you just need to drop a few drops of the substance into the aroma lamp.

All for fitball!

This is a big ball that you can lean on during fights, lie down on it (we recommend reading:). When the fight has receded, it is allowed to swing on the fitball or even jump. It well removes the load from the spine, distracts the woman in labor from pain.

Fitball is now available in almost all maternity wards. If this is not provided, you can bring the ball with you, it will certainly come in handy. The fitball should be soft, slightly deflated, and you need to select it according to your height.

Proper breathing and… singing!

Proper breathing plays an important role in the birth process. Depending on the stage of childbirth, the way of breathing also differs:

Unreasonable use of painkillers adversely affects the child. No matter how much you want to eliminate the pain, it is better to endure it than to treat the baby later.

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.
The 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, the entire 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))))))))

Unfortunately, none of the currently known methods of medical anesthesia of childbirth is not perfect. All of them, one way or another, affect the fetus and the duration of labor, and their use is not always possible. However, there are methods of pain relief that do not have any contraindications for mom and baby.

Methods of non-drug pain relief are absolutely harmless, very simple and effective, they can be used at any stage of childbirth. Self-anesthetic methods include birth massage, special breathing techniques, relaxing postures and movement techniques, the use of a fitball (gymnastic ball) and water therapy during childbirth. In order to master these techniques, only one thing is required - desire!

active position

The first and most important factor in reducing pain from contractions is active behavior in childbirth. This term refers to the free behavior of the woman in labor, the constant change of positions and movement around the ward, the search for the most comfortable body position. By themselves, movement significantly reduces the overall sensation of pain. And not only because any action is distracting.

Firstly, the level of pain sensation depends on blood circulation. During a contraction, the muscle fibers of the uterus contract, while expending energy. The main "energy fuel" for the work of all cells in our body is oxygen; myometrial cells (uterine muscles) are no exception. As you know, oxygen is contained in arterial blood; therefore, cell respiration depends on the level and speed of arterial blood flow. When the body is stationary, the total blood flow decreases, the supply of oxygen to the uterine muscle slows down, and pain increases. If a woman in labor walks around the ward or moves in a comfortable position, as a result of the movement, the level of blood flow increases, and the cells of the uterus are better supplied with oxygen. Therefore, with active behavior in childbirth, pain from contractions is much weaker than with a stationary position. Even in the case when, for medical reasons, a woman in labor cannot get up, she can actively behave during a fight - sway, spring on the bed, spread and bring her knees together. These small movements significantly reduce the pain of a contraction.

Secondly, the feeling of pain depends on the general tension. More precisely, between these concepts - pain and tension - there is a direct proportional relationship. That is, the more we strain, the more painful it is for us, and vice versa. During a contraction, when the uterus tightens and painful sensations appear, some women instinctively “freeze”, completely stopping moving. This behavior of the woman in labor is caused by fear of pain. The woman in labor, as it were, hides for the duration of the contraction from pain and from herself. In childbirth, this behavior does not bring relief: "freezing", the expectant mother unconsciously strains, which leads to a sharp increase in pain. The main assistant in the fight against excessive tension during contractions is physical activity. After all, when we are in motion, our muscles alternately tense and relax; therefore, hypertonicity (excessive muscle tension) is excluded. And if the movement helps to relax, then it reduces the overall level of pain.

Movements during childbirth can be very diverse. If the birth proceeds without complications, the choice of the type of movements during the contraction remains with the woman in labor. In this case, there is one, but very important limitation. At any stage of childbirth, sharp, jerky movements should not be made. Here are examples of the most common active behaviors during a fight:

walking along the ward or corridor;
tilts to the sides and forward;
sipping and turning the whole body;
shaking and rotating movements of the pelvis;
shifting from foot to foot;
transfer of body weight from socks to heels and vice versa;
half squats;
bending and arching of the spine;
in the prone position: swinging the pelvis, turning from side to side, springy movements of the hips, bringing and spreading the legs.

During fights, you should behave freely, choosing the most comfortable position of the body. There are many well-known positions that reduce discomfort during contractions and help you relax. The main principle by which a woman in labor chooses a position for the duration of the contraction is the level of comfort, stability and relaxation. Most "generic" poses use four points of support and a predominantly upright body position; there are also "lying" poses. However, in order for the postures to help, you should change the position of the body as often as possible and do not forget to move a little within any posture. To reduce pain during childbirth, try the following positions during labor:

Stand by the bed (sink, window sill, bedside table) with your legs slightly apart. Lean your hands on the bed, relax your back and stomach, as if transferring the weight of your body to your arms and legs. Swing from side to side, back and forth, shift from foot to foot, shake your pelvis.
Stand in the position of a sumo wrestler: legs wide apart and half-bent at the knees, the body is slightly tilted forward, hands rest on the middle of the thighs. Shift from foot to foot or sway from side to side.
Squat down with your legs wide apart and leaning on a full foot. Behind the back there should be a fixed support (headboard, bedside table, wall). Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, put your hands on your hips. Swing left and right, back and forth. Get on the bed on all fours with your legs slightly apart. Alternately arch and arch your back at the spine.
Stand on the bed in a knee-elbow position, legs slightly apart, and sway from side to side. You can put a pillow under your elbows. Kneel on the bed, rest your hands on the back of the bed, Shift from one knee to another. Squat down facing the bed. Hands and head can be put on the bed.
Sit on the ship, placing it on a chair or a special bench (you can’t sit on the chair itself - this creates excessive pressure on the perineum and can harm the baby). Bend your legs at the knees and spread them wide apart (both the vessel and the bench are always in the ward).
Stand at the head of the bed or bedside table. Place your arms bent at the elbows on it. Get down on your haunches, as if sagging on your hands,
If you are tired and want to lie down, lie on your side with your knees and hips bent.

There are so-called "partner positions" for which a woman in labor will need an assistant. Here are some of the simplest and most convenient positions for pain relief of contractions:

Stand facing your partner and wrap your arms around his neck. Press your upper body against your partner, turn your head to the side. Bend your legs at the knees, spread them as wide as possible and sway from side to side without lifting your legs from the floor.
Stand like a train in front of your partner. Ask him to put forward his arms bent at the elbows (boxer's pose). Spread your legs wide bent at the knees, lean back on your partner and hang on his arms, like on gymnastic rings, without lifting your legs from the floor and swaying (in this position, the woman in labor is fixed under the armpits on the partner’s forearms).
Ask your partner to sit on the edge of a chair or bed with your legs wide apart. Squat down with your back to your partner, legs wide apart and leaning on a full foot, Lean back on your partner and sway from side to side.
Lie on your side and ask your partner to sit next to the bed. Bend the leg located on top at the knee and rest it on the shoulder of the partner. Try to bend and unbend this leg (ask your partner to offer a little resistance to this action).

Recently, in many maternity hospitals, women in labor are allowed to use a fitball to anesthetize childbirth. Fitball is a rubber gymnastic ball that is commonly used for aerobics and Pilates. With the help of a fitball, you can take a wide variety of poses, easily changing one to another, guaranteed to relax and move continuously, while saving strength. For use during contractions, the fitball is not fully inflated so that it remains soft and springy. On the ball, you can take all the poses listed above; in addition, there are special poses with a fitball:

swing, rotate the pelvis, spring, roll from side to side, sitting on the ball;
get on all fours, leaning on the ball with your chest, arms and chin and swinging on it;
lie on your side, placing the ball under your side and arm and springing on it;
lean on the ball with your back in a reclining-half-sitting position with legs wide apart;
swing, pushing back from the ball; sit or kneel, leaning on the ball with outstretched arms and springing;
lie on your side, placing the ball between the calves of the legs and bouncing them.

As you can see, active behavior in childbirth does not require special physical preparation. In order to use the "active", you need only the knowledge and desire of the woman in labor to be a participant in childbirth, and not a passive patient.

Pain relieving breath

The most effective way to anesthetize childbirth is with special breathing techniques. The analgesic effect of breathing is based on hyperoxygenation - supersaturation of the blood with oxygen. The respiratory center of the brain, registering an excess of oxygen in the blood of a woman in labor, sends an impulse to the pituitary gland - the main hormonal gland of the body responsible for the release of endorphins. These substances, called "pleasure hormones", regulate the threshold of human pain sensitivity. The more endorphins are released, the higher the pain threshold; that is why proper breathing in contractions and attempts to anesthetize no worse than analgesics.

Breathing techniques can be used at any stage of childbirth without restrictions. They are applicable in any position of the body, they equally effectively help both in the normal course of childbirth and in the development of various deviations in labor activity.

At the beginning of labor, when contractions are practically painless, it is recommended to use "belly breathing". At the beginning of the contraction, the woman in labor takes a relaxed, slow breath through her nose, and then exhales air through her mouth for a long time (as if blowing on water). Such breathing helps to relax, relieves nervous excitement and provides high blood oxygen saturation, stimulating and paining contractions.

By the middle of the first stage of labor, when the contractions increase and become painful, “candle breathing” helps a lot. This is frequent shallow breathing, in which a short breath is taken through the nose, and exhaled through the mouth (as if we are blowing out a candle). As contractions intensify, breathing becomes more intense, but still remains very frequent. Breathing in this way should only be during a contraction; at the end of the pain, the woman in labor takes a deep breath and exhale, aligning her breathing, and rests until the next contraction.

At the moment of full disclosure of the cervix, when the contractions become especially long and frequent, it is most effective to breathe in a "train". This breathing is an alternation of the previous techniques. At the beginning of the fight, the expectant mother uses breathing with her stomach, saving strength. As the pain intensifies, breathing quickens and at the peak of the contraction becomes as intense as possible. Then, as the contraction subsides, the woman in labor calms and evens out her breathing.

In the second stage of labor, when the fetus begins to move along the birth canal, each contraction is accompanied by a false urge to defecate (the desire to empty the intestines). This sensation is caused by the pressure of the fetal head on the rectum, located next to the vagina. At this stage, the woman in labor needs to avoid premature ones and relax as much as possible, helping the baby to descend through the birth canal. To achieve this goal during the fight you need to breathe "dog". This is rapid, shallow mouth breathing, really reminiscent of a dog's breathing. When breathing "doggie" the diaphragm - the main abdominal muscle - is in continuous motion, which makes the attempt impossible. Breathing has the maximum analgesic and relaxing effect.

Magic touch

Another effective way of non-drug pain relief in childbirth is massage. By stimulating certain points and zones on the body during contractions, the expectant mother can independently regulate the pain impulse, reducing the level of pain and relaxing.

The most "popular" massage area among women in labor is the lower back, or rather, the sacral region. The sacrum is a fixed connection of the vertebrae in the lower part of the spine. In this area of the spinal cord is the sacral nerve plexus: a nerve node that innervates the uterus and other organs of the small pelvis. By stimulating the sacral zone (lower back in the middle) during the contraction, the woman in labor blocks the transmission of the nerve impulse, thus reducing pain. Massage can be done with one or two hands, massaging the area with the 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 the affected area. To prevent irritation on the skin of the sacral region, you can periodically lubricate it with cream or oil. If you haven’t stocked up on massage oil, don’t be discouraged: ask the midwife for liquid vaseline oil, which is always in the maternity hospital.

During the contraction, the protrusions of the pelvic bones on the sides of the abdomen can be stimulated. These bones should be treated in the same way as the sacral area. You can try different methods: squeeze, press and release, stroke, pinch. Choose the type of massage stimulation that most effectively reduces pain for you. This method is a kind of distraction that transfers the source of pain.

Periodically during the contraction, gently stroke the lower abdomen, the region of the fundus of the uterus (the uppermost part) in a semicircle. The same stroking movements can be made by moving the hands from the lateral protrusions of the pelvic bones along the inguinal fold towards the perineum and back. These movements calm the woman in labor, help to relax and improve blood circulation in the uterine area,

The next massage option is most convenient to apply while lying on your side or sitting on the ball. Press the inner sides of the palms to the inner surface of the thigh. During the fight, move your hands with pressure, without lifting your palms, from the groin to the knees and back. The recurrent nerve passes through this area, innervating the pelvic organs. Massaging the inner surface of the thigh helps to reduce pain and relax as much as possible.

In partnership childbirth, the assistant can constantly carry out a light relaxing massage of the whole body, avoiding only the area of \u200b\u200bthe chest, perineum and abdomen of the woman in labor. The touch of the hands of a loved one calms the expectant mother and helps to relax better.

Water as a helper

The main plus of aquatherapy is the relaxing and analgesic properties of water. In warm water, the contractions are felt softer, blood circulation improves, the woman in labor has the opportunity to relax and take a comfortable position of the body, she is less tired. Water eliminates the occurrence of such side factors of discomfort in childbirth as dry skin, increased sweating, chills or a feeling of heat,

Recently, many maternity hospitals have begun to use non-drug pain relief of contractions with the help of water. For childbirth with aquatherapy, special showers and a reservoir with hydromassage are used, located in the maternity ward. Premises for water procedures in the rodblok are disinfected in a special way. Of course, staying in the water during childbirth without risk to the health of the mother and fetus is possible only under the supervision of a qualified medical specialist. When using a special bathroom, the expectant mother should fit in it entirely, being able to turn around and change the position of the body. The water temperature should not exceed normal body temperature (36.0°C-37.0°C) and not fall below 30.0°C. Next to the woman in labor (in the shower or near the massage bath) there should always be a birth partner or a maternity hospital specialist.

Unfortunately, this wonderful method of anesthesia can not always be used. Staying in a water tank during childbirth can be considered absolutely safe only as long as the baby and the uterine cavity are protected by a wall. After the rupture of the membranes, the last barrier between the sterile uterus and the non-sterile vagina disappears. After all, water through the vagina can penetrate the uterine cavity and cause infection. There are fewer restrictions for using the shower in childbirth: this method will have to be abandoned only if the doctor recommends bed rest to the woman in labor.

If the birth proceeds without complications, you can visit the shower quite often during the entire first stage of labor. For this, two conditions are necessary: the presence in the birthing unit of a shower room equipped for women in labor, and the possibility of observing the expectant mother during water procedures. Shower cabins for women in labor are made open (without doors - for the possibility of medical observation), pallets with a "non-slip" coating are used, and convenient handrails are installed along the walls. During the entire stay in the shower next to the expectant mother, a midwife or doctor should be inseparable. Of course, this is possible only in the case of individual management of childbirth; however, in partner childbirth, the spouse of the woman in labor can become the "observer" and assistant.

An optimal analgesic and relaxing effect can be achieved using a jet of water, like an aqua massager. To do this, you need to take the shower head in your hand and, changing the water pressure from low to medium and even strong, water your stomach in a circular motion throughout the fight. If you have an assistant, you can ask him to massage the lower back and sacral area with a jet of water. Between contractions, it is worth making the pressure of the water weaker and direct the jet to the face, shoulders, chest and legs, achieving complete relaxation. The ideal water temperature for labor pain relief is 36-40°C; a lower temperature has an exciting effect on the nervous system, and too hot water can cause bleeding.

The birth of a child is the most wonderful event in a woman's life. Of course, the process preceding this event requires a lot of strength and patience from the expectant mother. But you should not expect torments and unbearable pain from childbirth; childbirth is a rewarding job. And if a woman was preparing for childbirth, knows how to help herself and goes to give birth with a smile, this exciting event becomes a real holiday. And there is no place for pain on a holiday!

Elizaveta Novoselova, obstetrician-gynecologist, Moscow

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 childbirth. 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 and lower back suffer 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 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.