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| Relaxation and Pain Management During Labour back |
Pain is a natural part of labour and every woman is unique in the level of pain she can
tolerate. Women also have varying success with the kind of activities or interventions that can help decrease
their labour pain and increase their comfort. Outlined below are types of activities and relaxation suggestions.
Walking (only if possible).
Water therapy (e.g. shower or tub).
Sitting on a rocking chair.
Keeping a restful environment in your labour room (quiet, low lighting, soothing music).
Using various positions during labour and delivery.
Massage/back rubs by birthing partner.
Applying warm or cold compresses.
Relaxation/breathing techniques.
Meditation using calming imagery.
For some women, as labour progresses and contractions become stronger, their pelvic pain worsens
or they get too tired to cope, relaxation techniques no longer provide enough relief. Pain medications
are commonly used at that point, and your physician or midwife will explain the benefits of each type
and will help you select the appropriate medication that is safe for you and your baby. You may
want to discuss medications in advance of labour with your doctor or midwife.
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| Regional Anaesthesia (Epidural or Spinal)
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| You might reach a point in active labour that comfort measures and/or medication
are no longer giving you adequate pain relief, your physician or midwife may order regional anaesthesia to
provide stronger pain relief. The anaesthesiologist inserts a needle in your lower back to administer regional
anaesthesia. The goal of regional anaesthesia, especially after your cervix is completely dilated, is to reach a
balance between easing your feeling of pain and still feeling the urge to bear down to actively participate in
delivering your baby. Once you have this type of medication you are generally not allowed out of bed.
Talk
to your physician or midwife in advance of labour about regional anaesthesia. The one drawback from the
regional anaesthesia would be finding a balance between the numbness and feeling the stress your pelvis
can take.
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| Labour Positions back |
| Try and work out what positions are easy to maintain and
hold before you go into hard labour. If you know your pelvis
becomes to unstable with knees apart inform your coach and
delivery team about this issue to insure care is taken to not
worsen your condition. Below are some labour positions for you
to try. If you decide to have an Epidural still be mindful about
how far your knees are apart.
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| 3 labour positions |
Hospital bed | Bed trapeze | Shower chair |
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| Home Made Leg Support back |
| Experiment at home with a piece of string, lying on your back, with knees bent,
slowly and gently pull move your bent knees until pain is the indicator on how far apart you can tolerate.
With the string, measure the width circling under your bent knees. Experiment with different items and
textures, e.g., scarf, mans trouser belt, even a pelvic belt, to find which gives you the most comfort
and support. Just remember to take it to the Hospital with you.
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| In the Maternity Ward
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| Think about making an appointment with the Charge Nurse [Nurse who heads the unit]
for two reasons. Firstly so she can see the hardships you already have been coping with and you can voice your
concerns about what type of treatment you would like to have, [since there is not a standard and practiced
treatment plan for women with pelvic joint pain and/or dysfunction]. Secondly to discuss what aids the Maternity
Ward has. They will probably only have the basics. The aids you would require would be more readily available in
the Orthopaedic or Rehabilitation Wards.
Speaking to the Hospital before your delivery date could give them time
to make other types of aids available to you. You can also find out what type of follow-up care the Hospital can offer,
such as:- offering you rehabilitation after you're discharged, organizing home visits by a District Nurse [a Nurse that
comes to your house]. If you have an Infant Welfare Nurse ring her after the birth and let her know your limitations
and see what help can be offered.
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| A Birth Plan (that works for you) back |
| List items on your birth plan in order of importance, especially labour positions and pain
management. Discuss your Birth Plan on a regular basis with your Doctor or Midwife to reduce misunderstandings
during labour. If you've done your homework and found a person and place to fit your needs, you will have more
time to focus on the joyous occasion. Be flexible You may need to deviate from your ideal plan. Birth is too
unpredictable.
Go to hospital list to view an example of items you might
consider when going to the Maternity Hospital to
have your baby.
Go to birth plan
to view an example of items you might
consider or require for your labour plan.
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