Subtitle: Pain in Labour
Labour pain is a highly individual experience. It can range from mild to severe, and some women feel no pain at all. How a woman perceives labour pain will depend on the strength of her contractions, her emotional state, her attitude and beliefs about labour, the support she receives from her partner and care providers, and her level of physical and mental preparedness.
Intensity
Labour pain can be intense, and it may be compared to menstrual cramps that intensify as labour progresses. For some women, labour pain is experienced as a constant cramping or pressure in the lower abdomen, back and inner thighs. It can range from mild to severe and can be felt in other parts of the body, such as the upper arms, neck, lower back and tailbone.
Duration
Labour pain can start as early as a few days before birth and typically continues until the baby is born. It can last for a few hours or several days, depending on the progress of labour. During the second stage of labour, when the baby is born, the pain can become more intense.
Managing Pain
There are several strategies that can be used to manage labour pain. These include breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, massage, hydrotherapy, and pain-relieving medications such as epidurals. Each woman should discuss the options with her care provider to determine the best approach for her.