Non-pharmacological methods for relieving labour pain

Water bath

A water bath is nothing more than a warm shower or bath. For many people this is an everyday activity, but during labour it can work wonders. It has relaxing and soothing properties. It is particularly useful at the beginning of the first stage of labour when contractions become more regular and painful but the obstetric situation does not yet require an epidural. It is also one of the methods used to differentiate between pre-labour and labour, as pre-labour should stop after the bath.

Aromatherapy

An increasingly widespread non-pharmacological method of pain relief in the delivery room is aromatherapy, which uses natural extracts. These have a relaxing effect and thus lead to a reduction in pain for the woman giving birth. The most commonly chosen oils include lavender, eucalyptus, orange or geranium oil.

Vertical positions and labour activity

Vertical positions and activity during labour are an element of modern obstetrics. The forced position of lying on the back during the entire birth is increasingly being abandoned in favour of activity and changes of position for the woman giving birth. This makes it easier for the baby to fit into the birth canal and gravity makes it easier to lower the head. The expectant mother can sway her hips or bounce on the ball with the help of an attendant. This also has a calming and relaxing effect.

Breathing techniques

Breathing during labour plays a very important role. It not only ensures a good oxygen supply to the baby, but also calms the woman giving birth and helps her to relax during labour. It is advisable to learn breathing techniques before the birth, e.g. in a birth preparation course. The midwife will also show you how to breathe properly during labour so that it is as comfortable as possible and the woman giving birth does not waste energy unnecessarily.

Massage

Many women experience relief during labour through lumbar and sacral massage. This can be performed by the midwife or the woman's companion during labour. The touch not only relieves back pain, but also has a relaxing and calming effect. A warm compress or an oil of your choice can also be helpful.

Non-pharmacological methods of labour pain relief are not as effective at reducing discomfort as pharmacological methods, but they are often complementary to them and should be offered to every woman in labour.