Don’t labour over this pain

Dr Shobha Gupta

One of the toughest times in any woman’s life is when she goes through labour pain. Hence the resultant stress and anxiety is very natural. As the labour and delivery time draws near, the stress gets double. However, it is better if a woman tries to keep calm and composed during labour so that her body has enough energy to go through the process.

Here are some tips to overcome stress and anxiety while experiencing labour pains:

Be prepared

Know beforehand what you will be facing. Discomfort and pain during labour are natural so it’s important to educate yourself on the process. Gather useful and proper information that is not based on myths from a reliable source. Talk to new moms, read a book on the subject or talk to your doctor at length.

Learn to manage the pain 

Nowadays, there are various options available for pain management. Pre-natal yoga and meditation can help to ease the pain. Practice breathing techniques, visualisation, positive affirmation, calming exercises, etc. whenever you feel anxious. Explore all these options beforehand so that you can try different techniques and see what works best during labour.

Relax your muscles

It is important to relax all your muscles. When a baby makes its way through the birth canal, the pelvic floor muscles and tissues gets expanded; relaxing these muscles helps to create the space for the baby to come out. Do pelvic exercises, try and sit at a comfortable place free of noise, start the exercise, breathe in and out; think the stress and tension are flowing out of your body. Repeat these steps as many times as your body allows.

It helps to have some support by your side

It is important to have your partner or mother or a friend to support you during labour. Studies have shown that women with support during labour show a decrease in the need for painkillers and have more successful, non-traumatic births as compared to those without any support. Child birth need not be a traumatic experience with right guidance and measures.

Get a massage

Massage is also a great stress buster. Try having a light circular massage on the stomach and gentle massage on shoulders, on back, legs and feet. It is extremely effective and relaxing. A massage on lower back with steady and deep pressure is effective during later stages of labour.

—The writer is a gynaecologist, Mother’s Lap IVF Centre, New Delhi