Having a baby is a great news to bring into your life. At the same time, it is also very normal to feel a little scared and curious about the discomfort that comes with having a baby. Questions like 'Will I be able to handle this?', 'How much will it hurt?' are probably on your mind. Not everyone's experience is the same. Even for someone who has had a child before, the experience this time may be different. So today, let's talk about how to deal with this discomfort and what options you have.
Drug-Free Approaches to Pain Management
Some mothers prefer to go through this experience as naturally as possible, without medication. There are several ways that can help you with this.
The most important thing is to stay active throughout your pregnancy. Of course, if you ask your doctor and he approves, engaging in appropriate exercises will strengthen your body. It will increase your endurance. Sometimes, if labor lasts for hours, this energy will be invaluable to you.
In addition, there are methods specifically introduced for this purpose.
- Lamaze Method: This teaches you to believe that childbirth is a natural, healthy process and to trust it. This method helps to reduce pain through breathing and relaxation exercises . It also teaches you to have a support person (such as your husband or mother) give you massages and use distractions.
- Bradley Method: This involves another person (often the father of the child) acting as a "birth coach." This method encourages you to go through labor without any medication , unless absolutely necessary. Classes focus on nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, and breathing techniques. However, it usually doesn't address potential complications during labor. So, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about these and be prepared.
Think about it, some mothers say they felt a great relief when they listened to a hymn during their pregnancy, or when their husband came and gave them a little back massage. Simple things like these can also help you.
A few more simple ways:
- A little walk
- Shifting to a comfortable position
- Washing or bathing with lukewarm water
- Listening to calming music
Medications for pain control
Sometimes the pain can be difficult to bear. At such times, there is nothing wrong with seeking help from medical methods. There are mainly two types of medicines . Let us first understand the difference between these two.
| Drug type | How it works |
|---|---|
| Analgesics | These will reduce the pain, but you won't lose feeling completely. |
| Anesthetics | These completely eliminate all sensation, including pain (i.e., numb the area). |
Let's now look at some of the main painkillers and anesthesia methods used during childbirth.
Epidural Block
This is the most popular and common method used to control pain during childbirth in Sri Lanka as well as the world. Many people simply call it an "epidural".
- How is it given?: This medicine is injected into the epidural space around your spinal cord, in your lower back.
- How long does it take to work?: The pain will subside within 10-20 minutes.
- Advantages: The biggest advantage is that you can remain conscious even when the pain is gone. It is used for both vaginal birth and Caesarean Section/C-section.
- Side Effects : Like everything, minor side effects can occur. But these are usually not serious.
- Your blood pressure may suddenly drop a little . This may cause the baby's heart rate to drop a little, but there is nothing to worry about as the medical team is constantly monitoring it.
- The ability to urinate may be affected, so a catheter may need to be inserted.
- You may have a fever.
- The skin may feel itchy.
- Very rarely, a severe headache may occur a few days after childbirth.
Spinal Block
This is also an injection into the spine, but it's a little different than an epidural.
- Often used before C-section surgeries.
- Once the injection is given, the pain goes away within a few minutes .
- But the effect only lasts for a short period of time, about 1-2 hours.
- The side effects are similar to those of an epidural.
Combined Spinal-Epidural (CSE) Block
This method combines the advantages of both of the above methods. It provides faster pain relief and longer-lasting pain control. It is also called a "walking epidural" because sometimes you may be able to walk a little after receiving it, with the help of someone.
Other painkillers
These are not used as commonly as those mentioned above.
- Tranquilizers: These are given by injection into a muscle or through a saline solution (intravenous - IV). These do not completely eliminate pain, but they can reduce mental fear and anxiety and calm you down. They can cause drowsiness. These can help keep your baby a little sleepy when he or she is born.
- Narcotics/Opioids: These are also powerful painkillers given through saline. They start working within minutes and last for several hours. However, they can cause breathing difficulties for you and your baby, so doctors give them with great caution.
- Pudendal Block: This is an injection that numbs only the area between the vagina and the anus (the perineum). This method is not widely used these days.
Which method should I choose? Talk to the doctor!
With so many options, it's only natural for you to wonder, "What's right for me?"
The most important thing is to talk openly with your doctor about this, rather than making decisions on your own. Discuss this with your doctor when you go to the clinic during your pregnancy.
Tell him all about your fears, your preferences, your health conditions (if you have any other illnesses). Your doctor will help you choose the best method for you.
Another thing to remember is that even if you have a birth plan, childbirth is something that can change at any time. It may be more painful than you expected, or an emergency may arise. So have a plan in mind, but be flexible enough to change it if necessary. That's the wisest thing to do.
Take-Home Message
- Cramping is a normal part of childbirth. It varies from person to person. Don't worry.
- There are many non-drug methods (breathing exercises, massage) as well as drug-based methods (such as epidurals) to control pain.
- Epidurals are a safe and effective method that many people use, but keep in mind that they can cause minor side effects.
- Most importantly: Be sure to talk to your doctor about all your options, fears, and preferences at the prenatal clinic before you have your baby.
- It's good to have a plan, but be mentally prepared to change that plan if necessary during childbirth.
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