How to reduce pain before and during contractions
There are a fairly large number of ways that will help relieve pain, both during labor and childbirth. These include:
- special breathing technique;
- correctly selected poses;
- warm shower;
- massage;
- medicinal painkillers;
- music.
It is best for a woman to inquire about these methods in advance, even during pregnancy, to know how to use them and use them when rush hour comes, moving from one to another, combining methods.
Pose two - “Squatting”
The next position - one of the most effective in pushing - is the squatting position with your hands resting on your knees. It is quite difficult to stay in this position for a long time, as your legs get tired - but when you are “at the finish line” - there is a big opening, the child is already coming out and he just needs help - this pose can greatly speed things up.
Advantages of the squatting position during childbirth:
- ideal for women in labor with a narrow pelvis
- greatly accelerates sluggish labor activity
- the direction of the baby's movement coincides with gravity, which speeds up labor and allows the woman not to push - the baby “comes out” on its own
To reduce the load
On your feet,
your partner
can help you -
by crouching in front of you and supporting you
, giving you the opportunity to rest a little.
The second option is to “hang” on your husband
.
Or this way - hang on a sheet
, tying it to a ring and hooking it to the back of a chair.
*Historical information: before, when there were no maternity hospitals, women of many nations gave birth “on their haunches.”
For example, this was the main clan position in Egypt - even images of a woman in labor standing on two stone “maternity” bars “squatting” have been preserved:
Or Egypt - they helped a woman in labor remain in this position for a long time:
What to do to avoid pain when giving birth
One of the best tips for making labor and contractions easier is to not panic. A woman’s emotional mood is very important at this time. Women, especially if this is their first birth, are very afraid. There is nothing surprising, especially since they are already determined that it hurts. This only adds fuel to the fire. But, you need to set yourself up positively. After all, most women go through this, this is a natural process, and all the unpleasant moments will be forgotten very quickly as soon as she holds her newborn baby in her arms for the first time. It is almost impossible to completely get rid of pain during childbirth, unless it is a cesarean section and anesthesia is used. Even when using epidural anesthesia during natural childbirth, it, although less pronounced, remains.
If a woman does not want to use anesthesia, she needs to use non-drug methods: breathing, correctly selected posture, massage and others. The main thing is not to get lost, listen to your doctor, midwife, and be sure that everything will be fine.
Proper preparation for childbirth during pregnancy will not be superfluous. There are special classes that will tell you how to behave during labor in order to ease the lot of the woman in labor. And additional sports programs for pregnant women will strengthen the pelvic organs and muscles. Breathing techniques are also honed there.
When contractions have just begun, there is no need to panic, lie down and wait for labor to begin. You need to constantly move. During contractions, the muscles of the uterus contract. Saturating them with oxygen will reduce pain. And for this, normal blood supply is necessary. Lying down and not moving will slow blood flow. That's why you need to move. This alleviates the condition, reduces pain, and also distracts the woman a little.
Pose one - “Cat”
So, the first position is “cat” - on all fours.
In this position, the stomach sags, it becomes easier on the back, legs, and in general the most comfortable position, in my opinion.
When you are tired, when your back hurts, when labor slows down, try changing your position to the “cat” position. And if you want to help your baby move “towards the exit” faster, you can gently rock your hips and pelvis.
It was thanks to this situation that I gave birth to my daughter so quickly
