Labor pain is a complex experience caused by contractions of uterus muscles and pressure on the cervix. It mostly begins between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. Labor feels like cramping, stabbing, aching, throbbing, tightening, or burning. The pain can be mild to severe, changing with each stage of labor and involving physiological and psychological mechanisms. While it is natural and a part of childbirth, it can be unbearable and impact the central nervous system.
Pain management can reduce the mother’s suffering and speed up the delivery process; hence, it becomes necessary to manage the pain. But how to reduce labor pain? This question especially bothers first-time moms. We are here to help all mothers expecting a child soon and share ways to reduce labor pain. Stay tuned to the end to learn pain management techniques.
1. Prenatal Massage
Prenatal massage stimulates endorphin production, which is a natural pain-relieving hormone. It also reduces cortisol (a stress hormone) and increases serotonin and dopamine levels. Prenatal massage also promotes oxytocin production, which improves labor outcomes. So, you must get a prenatal massage during pregnancy, especially in the trimester. Choose a top-class massage center to ensure the best results. The prenatal massage Minneapolis provides the best services and ensures 100% satisfaction.
2. Water Immersion
Warm water immersion is another method for how to reduce labor pain. It can be included in routines at any phase of labor, such as early labor, active labor, and pushing phase. Water immersion is also known as hydrotherapy, and it offers relaxation and pain relief from labor pain. Water immersion reduces stress hormones like cortisol and catecholamines which helps in labor progress. It can reduce labor pain by 50%, hence becoming an ideal solution for women experiencing labor.
3. Acupuncture Therapy
Are you wondering how to reduce labor pain? If so, try acupuncture therapy, which increases maternal satisfaction. Most acupuncture points are around the nervous system’s pathways and change the way of perceiving pain. Acupuncture may lessen the use of pharmacological analgesia and increase pain relief satisfaction. It reduces stress and anxiety, helps ripen the cervix, and releases oxytocin. Weekly acupuncture at 36 weeks can aid the mother’s body in preparing for labor and delivery.
4. Heating Pad
A heating pad, also called a rice sock, can reduce back labor pain. It is safe to use and will not raise the mother’s core body temperature. The pad blocks pain receptors, helping muscles relax. It stimulates blood circulation and tissue elasticity, promoting fast recovery from labor pain. If you are thinking about how to lessen labor pain, use a heating pad and see the encouraging results. However, if you naturally have a high body temperature, you should avoid this method.
5. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses aromatic materials like lavender essential oils to reduce anxiety and improve psychological well-being during labor pain. Your partner can give you an aromatherapy massage to relieve your aches and pains. Essential oils can affect the smell senses and promote endorphin production. It will ultimately result in relaxation and pain relief. A meta-analysis study by the NIH (National Institute of Health) proved that aromatherapy effectively reduces labor pain in the first stage.
6. Epidural
Epidural means injecting medicines into the spinal cord. It can promote numbness from the belly button to the top of the legs. Women can feel the pressure of labor but without pain. While an epidural is primarily used for labor pain management, it is also incorporated for surgeries, such as hip, knee, and gynecologic surgery. The method is also useful for chronic low back pain. Epidurals are safe but sometimes cause side effects, such as low blood pressure, headaches, itchy skin, etc.
7. Breathing Exercise
The simple breathing exercise of inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth can help manage labor pain. Practicing patterned or rhythmic breathing will help you rest and relax during intense cramps. The NIH published a report of a study where 1418 individuals participated in breathing exercises during labor pain. Participants found a shortage in the duration of second-stage labor. Breathing exercises can relax your muscles and mind, maintaining the oxygen supply.
Managing Labor Pain
Labor pain is natural, and every woman experiences it before childbirth. However, it can cause unimaginable and unbearable pain. Beginning from 37 to 42 weeks of pregnancy can give feelings of cramping, burning, etc. If you are expecting a child and are suffering from this pain, breathing exercises, epidural, heating pad, aromatherapy, water immersion, and prenatal massage can help you. Incorporate any of these methods into your daily routine and make your journey of becoming a mother happier and better.
