Though becoming parents is one of the most joyous moments for couples in their lifetime, going through labour before childbirth is surely not. Giving birth comes with a lot of cursing and screaming as it is one of the most painful processes that women go through. We have seen a lot of movies where childbirth is associated with a lot of pain but is it true for all cases? Do all women feel the same pain during their labour? What to do to lower it? Let’s take a deeper look to find the answers to these questions.
The Channel 46 collaborated with Dr Nirmala M, Consultant – Obstetrician, Gynecologist & Fertility Specialist, Motherhood Hospitals, who talks about how the pain of childbirth varies among women and how you can manage the pain.
How Much Pain Would You Have To Endure?
The amount of pain you are likely to feel during childbirth heavily depends on your individual case. Asking other women about labour pain does not always help as you can feel a very different kind of pain than them. But fortunately, by taking appropriate medicinal help or applying relief measures, labour pain becomes manageable.
The amount of pain you are likely to feel during childbirth heavily depends on your individual case. Asking other women about labour pain does not always help as you can feel a very different kind of pain than them. But fortunately, by taking appropriate medicinal help or applying relief measures, labour pain becomes manageable. Your healthcare provider will examine your condition and quantify your pain, which will make it easier for them to try or recommend appropriate measures. The information that they will get after the examination helps them determine the pain relief options for you.
Another thing that women often find themselves confused about is if the labour pain is consistent. We have seen in several cases that labour pain is not necessarily consistent, and you will probably experience breaks in between contractions and while pushing. Although it is very common for women to notice the rise in pain level after their water breaks. Enduring pain during childbirth is a big deal but you should remember that it is all worth it for the family you are going to have.
Read: 3 Reasons Why You Need To Plan Your Pregnancy With PCOS (4 Tips To Improve Your Reproductive Health)
What Does It Feel Like?
During the early labour stage, the pain you feel becomes more intense and frequent until they fall into a steady pattern.
If you are pregnant for the first time, you will experience several things during pregnancy and labour. During pregnancy, you may witness Braxton-Hick’s contractions, which can be felt in the abdominal area and make your belly feel tight. This causes discomfort more than pain, but they are irregular and inconsistent. Relatively, labour contractions are more consistent, strong, and last longer.
If you want to ease your discomfort during Braxton Hicks, then you can try drinking some more water and practice changing positions or can try to sleep on your left side. During the early labour stage, the pain you feel becomes more intense and frequent until they fall into a steady pattern. But as the active labour happens, you will feel as if these contractions are wrapping up your body from front to back. You will also feel cramping and discomfort in your legs as these contractions become more frequent, but all this lasts closer to one minute.
3 Ways To Keep The Pain Of Childbirth Under Control While Being Pregnant
A lot of women can get scared when they hear about going through labour, but it doesn’t always have to be so, provided you follow a few essential hacks throughout your pregnancy.
1. Follow A Daily Fitness Routine
Exercising regularly will maintain your blood pressure, mood, and weight which will help you be at your body’s prime during childbirth.
2. Take Birth Preparation Classes
When you know what you are going to experience during the process, it will be easier to prepare for it. Many of these classes also teach women techniques to ease their pain during labour.
3. Eat Healthy & Take Prenatal Care
For a healthy delivery, you have to be in good shape. Taking all your vitamins and adding the right things to your diet will make it easier for you in the long term.
Read: Your Guide 101 On A Health Pregnancy Diet
4 Things You Can Do During Labour To Reduce The Pain Of Childbirth
1. Practice Breathing Techniques
Focusing on your breathing can save you from more painful contractions and it will also help you manage pain.
2. Massage
Foot, hand, back, shoulder rubs, and a lot of other kinds of massage techniques can help you lower the pain and stress.
3. Slow Movements
A little walk can help you find relief from some of the problems you might be facing.
4. Distract Yourself
Engage yourself in other tasks that might interest you. Playing some of your favourite music might do wonders in relieving your physical and mental stress.
So, these were some of the proven techniques that you can use to ease out your pain during childbirth.
There is no way to know what your experience with childbirth would be before you literally go through it. Taking measures before the big day can help you avoid a lot of last-minute stress and pain. No matter how overwhelmingly scary this process might sound, there is no need to worry. Though the process includes pain, several babies are born each year and you are not alone in this. Talk to your doctor and ask them to suggest appropriate measures that you can take to relieve your stress and physical pain.
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