Labor pain management

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www.babycenter.com

It’s been 31 weeks since I got pregnant, and I feel everything is fine except intermittent back pain.

According to baby’s development stages, my baby at this time should measure over 16 inches long and weigh about 3 1/3 pounds. It’s about the size of a coconut. He/she can turn his/her head from side to side, and his/her arms, legs and body are beginning to plump up as needed fat accumulates underneath his/her skin.

In this section, I will explore several strategies for labor pain management which are mostly used in natural childbirth. Natural pain-reduction techniques don’t use an epidural to eliminate pain. Instead, this approach allows me to remain in control of my body as much as possible, be an active participant throughout labor which will make me feel empowered and satisfied. There are pros and cons of each approach, but I want to try a natural, unmedicated birth for the time being. Even if I need some interventions then, preparing for some techniques will be of great help. The followings are summary of coping tips suggested by the baby center.

One-to-one labor support

Having someone at my side who's committed to giving me emotional reassurance and helping me be as comfortable as possible can dramatically reduce my anxiety and stress level. There are some options like doula, but I’m not sure if I would feel comfortable with someone I do not know well. My husband will definitely be the best supporter.  

Breathing exercises and visualization

My husband and I will learn specific breathing patterns through child birthing classes at UC Davis Health System. (We signed up for it. lol ) Breathing skills used in yoga or meditation can help me to control pain. In addition, techniques like progressive or controlled relaxation, in which I release tension by zeroing in on a particular muscle, tightening it up, and then letting it go until it's as loose as possible are very useful.  

I might also use a visualization skill that is to imagine a place that soothes me. Sometimes something special to look at like a favorite photograph is helpful.

something like this? 

Positioning and movement 

When I’m not medicated, I can try a variety of positions during labor, including standing or leaning on my partner, sitting, and kneeling – either upright or on all fours.

Some movements are comforting, too. Walking around or rocking in a chair or on a birthing ball is a good way. Moving around can make me feel more in control, which may ease my anxiety and pain.

During the pushing stage, an upright position may help my baby descend, and squatting or kneeling may help open my pelvic outlet.

http://www.babycenter.com/2_positions-to-ease-labor-pain_3656514.bc

Massage and touch

Massage promotes relaxation, soothes tense muscles, and may reduce my perception of labor pain. I found several videos that show how to massage. I will share these with my husband.

http://www.babycenter.com/2_pregnancy-massage-for-labor-pain_10413818.bc

http://www.babycenter.com/2_pregnancy-massage-for-back-pain_10389756.bc

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy – using water to soothe and relax the body – may help ease the discomforts of labor.

I may be able to use a tub for laboring at Davis birthing center. (But not 100%) Immersing myself in water relieves pressure on the body, promotes muscle relaxation, and may reduce pain, anxiety, and the need for medication. What's more, there's evidence suggesting that it may also decrease the length of the first stage of labor.

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Besides, the baby center suggests acupuncture or acupressure and hypnosis. But they say there’s insufficient evidence to judge the effectiveness of such practices. So I will just leave them out.

I think that having trust myself is the most important part for labor pain management. I won’t be flustered when early labor starts, and I’m going to try everything I learned through this section. A friend of mine who did natural childbirth told me that daily perineal massage may increase the area’s ability to stretch leading to less need for an episiotomy and fewer natural tears. It sounds little awkward though, I looked up some information about that. I can either try the technique myself or ask my husband for help, but experts say, perineal massage isn’t for everyone and it may not help in every case. Therefore, I need to talk about it with my midwife or doctor around 34 weeks.