Labor pain can be alleviated through natural resources, through breathing and relaxation techniques, such as sitting or lying on a Pilates ball, taking an immersion bath, applying heat or cold and performing aromatherapy, for example.
In cases where natural techniques are not sufficient to relieve pain or when the doctor indicates that there is a risk of interfering with the baby’s oxygenation, the woman may request epidural analgesia.
Labor pain can vary from woman to woman and the stage of labor she is in, that is, whether the woman is in the latent or active phase of dilation or in the expulsion phase. Therefore, depending on the stage of labor the woman is in, the most appropriate natural ways to alleviate labor pain can be indicated. Learn more about the stages of labor.
1. Change position
Avoiding lying with your back straight and staying in the same position for more than 1 hour can help relieve pain during labor. Lying down is a position that forces a woman to exert greater abdominal force than she would do sitting or standing, for example, increasing pain.
Therefore, it is recommended that women regularly change positions to not only become more comfortable, but also to promote changes in pelvic dimensions, which also helps with pain relief.
2. Use a pilates ball
The Pilates ball is a great way to relax the trunk and pelvic floor, promoting pain relief. To do this, the woman can sit on the ball, which helps to interrupt the pain signal that reaches the spinal cord, or have the upper part of her body supported on the ball.
3. Get a massage
Massage can also be performed to promote relief from labor pain, and must be done by the companion, as long as they have received guidance, or by the doula. Massage is generally performed on the lower back in circular movements, helping to reduce tension and pain.
4th floor
Keeping moving during the first phase of labor, in addition to stimulating dilation, also relieves pain, especially in standing positions, as they help the baby descend through the birth canal. Therefore, walking around the place where the birth will be taking place can reduce discomfort and help to strengthen and regulate contractions.
5. Do warm water therapy
Sitting under a shower with a jet of water on your back or lying in a hot tub or plastic pool, for example, are options that can relax and relieve pain.
In the case of a bath in a bathtub or plastic pool, it is recommended that the water covers the belly and that the temperature is at or slightly above body temperature, as this ensures relaxation and reduces labor pain, especially in expansion phase.
6. Apply heat or cold
Placing a hot water compress or ice pack on your back can reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and numb pain. Water with more extreme temperatures dilates peripheral vessels and redistributes blood flow, promoting muscle relaxation.
7. Control your breathing
The type of breathing changes depending on the moment of birth, for example, during contractions it is better to breathe slowly and deeply, to better oxygenate the mother and baby’s body. At the moment of expulsion, when the baby is coming out, shorter and faster breathing is recommended, in accordance with the guidance of the medical team, nurses and doula.
Furthermore, deep breathing also reduces adrenaline, which is the hormone responsible for stress, helping to control anxiety, which often intensifies pain.
8. Do audiotherapy and aromatherapy
Audio therapy and aromatherapy are also natural measures that can help alleviate labor pain. Listening to your favorite music on headphones can distract from pain, reduce anxiety and help with relaxation.
Furthermore, inhaling essential oils with calming and relaxing properties can also help to make women calmer and less anxious, relieving pain. See how aromatherapy is done.
9. Exercise during pregnancy
Regular physical activity improves breathing and belly muscles, giving women more control during childbirth in terms of pain relief. See exercises to facilitate normal birth.
In addition, there are training sessions for the perineum and pelvic muscles that promote relief and reduce the chances of injuries when the baby is born, as they strengthen the vaginal muscle region, making them more flexible and strong.
10. Use painkillers
In cases where natural resources are not sufficient to alleviate pain and when there is emotional stress that can cause complications for the baby, the woman can use painkillers recommended by the doctor.
Thus, the woman can request the application of epidural analgesia, which consists of administering an anesthetic to the spine capable of eliminating pain from the waist down, without altering the woman’s level of consciousness in labor, allowing the woman to watch the childbirth without feeling the pain of contractions. See how epidural anesthesia is performed.
Why is it important to alleviate labor pain?
Relieving labor pain is important to prevent women from developing emotional stress and having a traumatic birth. Furthermore, if the pain is not relieved, the woman may begin to breathe faster than normal, which may interfere with the supply of oxygen to the baby.
Therefore, it is important that measures are adopted to help alleviate pain during childbirth and, thus, it is possible to prevent changes in blood and oxygen flow to the baby.
One way to have a calmer birth is to have the support of a doula, who provides all the psychological and emotional support in the pre- and postpartum period, as well as during childbirth, and can indicate the best ways to alleviate pain in a more comfortable way. effective. Find out more about the role of a doula.
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