Pain during labor is caused by contractions of the muscles of the uterus and by pressure on the cervix. This pain can be felt as strong cramping in the abdomen, groin, and back, as well as an achy feeling. Some women experience pain in their sides or thighs as well.
Our team of midwives and nurses will assist you with the following non-pharmacological pain management that will lessen the pain the you are experiencing and will support your needs throughout the labor process.
We offer a range of non-pharmacological pain management options. These include:
A rocking chair - this is a type of chair with two curved bands attached to the bottom of the legs connecting the legs on each other.
A Birthing Ball or labor ball - which is a large air–filled rubber ball that a woman can sit on during labor. A birthing ball allows the woman to rock back and forth for comfort.
Women who are in early labor, before coming to the hospital, can try having a warm shower and herbal tea as this is sometimes effective in relieving pain of contractions during early stages of labor.
Our antenatal team can teach additional mind and body relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and back massages.
There are some women who can bear labor pain more easily, however if you cannot endure it, we can provide pharmacological pain management for labor, such as Entonox (gas and air), morphine injection and epidural anesthesia.
