The pain of childbirth causes fear in many expectant mothers. Knowing your options for relieving the pain and making the delivery easier prepares you to make decisions when you go into labor. A birth plan offers a way to document your preferences and plans for methods to make the delivery easier.
Preparation
A plan for the delivery of your baby helps relieve anxiety and may make the process easier. A birthing class offers education on specific topics related to labor and childbirth. The class provides you with information and gives you specific topics to consider, such as pain relief methods, inducing labor and cesareans. Use the class as a springboard for creating your birth plan by spelling out your wishes for each area.
Exercise
General exercise keeps your body healthy and better prepared to handle labor. Certain exercises may help your body handle labor more easily. In addition to walking or other aerobic exercise, try squats, which open the pelvis, making it easier for the baby to move into the birth canal. "Parents" magazine recommends squatting with your back against a wall for support. Kegel exercises are also a useful exercise for childbirth because they strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Kegels are performed by tightening and releasing the pelvic floor muscles. To identify these muscles, attempt to stop your urine as you go to the bathroom. The muscles that allow you to stop your urine are the muscles you need to contract for Kegel exercises.
Natural Pain Relief Strategies
Natural pain relief strategies help relax the body and ease the pain of childbirth without pain medications. The pain relief makes the delivery easier for many laboring women. Laboring in a bath or shower helps relieve pain for some women while calming and relaxing the mom. Massage, breathing techniques, distraction with other activities, acupressure and acupuncture are other natural options.
Doula
A doula is a trained professional that provides support to a pregnant woman during childbirth. She serves as an additional birthing coach, assisting as needed throughout the birth. The doula advocates on your behalf to ensure your birth plan is executed as closely as possible. She also helps you communicate with your health care providers. The support of a doula eases childbirth for many laboring women.
Medical Interventions
Epidurals and IV medications are common medical interventions for pain relief during labor. These medications help some women in labor relax and ease the pain of the delivery, making it easier on the mother.
An episiotomy is a cut made in the perineum, which is the area between the vagina and the rectum. The cut is made to give the baby more room during delivery, although the benefits and safety of the procedure are unclear.
Forceps and vacuums are two additional interventions that are sometimes used if the baby is not descending quickly or there are concerns for the baby's well-being. The tools help the baby deliver the baby faster.
