How to relieve pain during contractions. How to alleviate and independently anesthetize contractions and attempts during childbirth in order to better endure them? painless childbirth technique

Pain during childbirth can vary greatly in strength. Even in a single woman who has given birth several times, contractions can be from barely noticeable to barely tolerable. Therefore, very different methods of anesthesia for childbirth are used. What - we will tell.

What determines the pain of childbirth

No obstetrician can accurately predict how painful contractions will be. The conventional wisdom that pain becomes weaker with each new pregnancy is true, but not always. It depends on many factors:

• individual characteristics of a woman in labor: her pain threshold, character traits, the quality of psychological preparation for the process of giving birth to a baby, the state of the muscles of the pelvic floor and soft tissues of the perineum;
• the size and position of the fetus in the uterus;
• the state of the cervix, the presence of dense cicatricial deformities in it;
• activity of labor activity and the regularity of contractions.

But there is situations in which pain during childbirth occurs much more often. Here they are:

• hormonal dysfunction before pregnancy, manifested by irregular painful menstruation;
• the first birth or the interval between subsequent births is more than 5 years;
• and induced labor when the cervix is ​​not yet softened;
• strong contractions under the influence of oxytocin (intravenously or in a lozenge) and vice versa - long-term labor;
• a large fetus or a mother's pelvis that is narrow for the size of the child (anatomically or clinically narrow pelvis);
• after the discharge of amniotic fluid.

In all these cases, the woman in labor herself or the doctors can significantly reduce the pain so that the memories of childbirth do not become the worst nightmare in a woman's life.

Psychological pain relief

Nature made sure that the birth process took place under the influence of "hormones of joy" - endorphins, the level of which rises rapidly with each new contraction. These substances reduce all uncomfortable manifestations, relieve tension and help to feel emotional uplift. A simple feeling of fear suppresses the formation of a natural hormone and thereby increases sensitivity to pain.

A very important moment in childbirth is the mood of a woman. Many pregnant women associate the word "delivery" with the words "in pain." Constant negative thoughts and "winding" yourself will lead to even more fear. Proper psychological preparation for childbirth is a guarantee that the birth of a child will take place in a more comfortable environment.

The most important thing is to be in a positive mood.. You need to change your attitude towards pain. Think about the fact that the increase in pain is not a test that cannot be avoided, but a "bell" that advises you to change your body position, relax your muscles, breathe properly. And the most important thought should be that you are waiting for the birth of a little person. Take your mind off negative thoughts.

In Africa and Brazil in ancient times, when a woman went into labor, the man would go to bed, scream and complain. It was believed that this removed part of the psychological burden and distracted the woman in labor. If you think that this will help, ask your spouse to lament instead of you - this will be the “coolest” whim, which you will remember with laughter for a long time to come. So childbirth is fun!

Remember, all the emotions you experience are passed on to your child. Let him be born without fear.

Poses for pain relief

A position that alleviates discomfort, a woman must choose herself. A certain position during childbirth will relieve pain, help you relax.

If your doctor has given you permission to get up and move around, try different body positions - sitting, lying down, standing. During a contraction, the following postures can reduce pain:

• Lean on the wall, back of a chair or bed with weight transfer to your hands.
• Pose on all fours.
• Sitting on a fitball or a children's inflatable circle.
• Squat down with your knees out to the sides.
• Lie on your side and bend your knees.

Massage during childbirth

Massage movements during childbirth can be performed by the woman in labor herself or by the husband in the case of partner childbirth. Options:

1. Massage the sacral area with the fingertips, fist or palm with an intensity that will bring relief to the woman.
2. "Iron" - massage of the inner surface of the thigh. Strongly pressing the palm to the thigh, movements from the knee to the groin and back, as if ironing yourself.
3. A distracting maneuver can be massaging or strong pressure on the iliac spines during a fight.

The massage technique and its intensity, which will help reduce discomfort, is individual for each pregnant woman. Don't be afraid to try it yourself or ask your birth partner to massage these areas. You can use neutral massage oil.

Breathing techniques to reduce pain

All breathing exercises that are used during childbirth are aimed at relaxing the muscles of the body.

The first breathing technique during childbirth involves rare breathing (up to 8 per minute). The respiratory rate is normally about 16 breaths per minute, while the pregnant woman makes short breaths and long exhalations through almost closed lips with this method during a contraction.

The second method consists of several short exhalations. Imagine that you have a feather in front of you that you want to blow away. After a short breath, take a few short exhalations, as if blowing off a feather.

Count the inhales and exhales that you do: this will help you get distracted and not concentrate on the wedding. Read more about proper breathing during childbirth.

Childbirth and water

Warm water relaxes muscles and relieves pain. If possible, during the first stage of labor, you can take a bath or warm shower.

This method is only appropriate if there is a bath in the delivery room. It is not recommended to stay in the shower at home for a long time if you have already started contractions, and even more so practice at home. Such experiments without medical supervision can lead to disastrous results.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture can be used to reduce labor pain levels, but the method is not common. There are not many experts in this area.

Medicinal methods

Medical anesthesia is used in the following cases:

• Restless behavior of a woman due to severe pain during contractions.
• premature birth.
• Excessively strong generic activity.
• Gestosis of the second half of pregnancy.
• Somatic diseases (arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus).
• obstetric operations.

This method has contraindications:

1. The presence of a scar on the uterus from operations that were performed earlier. This is due to the existing threat of uterine rupture: with the introduction of analgesics, the doctor will not be able to recognize the onset of the development of this formidable complication.
2. Onset of labor or opening of the uterine os up to 4 cm: due to the risk of stopping labor or causing weak contractions.
3. Allergy to drugs, especially those used to relieve pain.

Several groups of drugs are used to anaesthetize childbirth:

• Antispasmodics (drotaverine, papaverine, baralgin).
• Tranquilizers (diazepam, seduxen).
• Narcotic analgesics (promedol).
• Inhalation anesthesia (nitrogen-oxygen mixture).
• local anesthetics.

Antispasmodics are medications that relieve the tone of all smooth muscles. These substances, in addition to reducing the level of pain, regulate the process of opening the cervix.

tranquilizers rarely used in obstetrics. During childbirth, they are used once, since there is a proven negative effect on the unborn child.

Promedol is a narcotic analgesic for labor pain relief, which is widely used in obstetrics. It relieves pain and muscle tension of the cervix. But there is evidence that this drug depresses the baby's breathing at birth.

The inhalation method of pain relief consists in inhaling a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide by the expectant mother. In some cases, even a simple oxygen mask brings relief.

Epidural anesthesia

It is the "gold standard" among the methods of labor pain relief. Providing good anesthesia leads to a negative point - the birth is a little delayed, and the woman cannot fully push in the second period, because she does not feel the onset of the contraction. This method also has its own, which you can discuss with your doctor even before the start of labor.

Remember, you are on the threshold of the birth of a new life. Therefore, do not wait for pain, wait for your child!

A good atmosphere and positive emotions have a positive effect on the condition of a pregnant woman and on delivery.

Experts do not advise lying down during contractions, unhurried walking helps not only relieve pain, but also speed up labor. The vertical position of a woman before the most crucial moment also favorably affects the child himself, for whom the birth is a rather difficult test. When tilting, swaying, walking, the child takes a comfortable position and stimulates.

In order to relieve pain, doctors advise jumping on a fitball or hanging on a Swedish wall.

For some women, taking a cool shower helps relieve the pain. It allows you to distract from the upcoming birth. But prolonged contact with water, for example, immersion in a pool or bath, leads to weakening of contractions, as a result of which the cervix ceases to open, and labor is delayed.

For the correct course of the prenatal period, it is necessary to concentrate on breathing. Deep inhalations and exhalations help to maintain the strength that will be required during attempts, and also allow you to enrich the child's body with oxygen. The hysterical state and screams exhaust the woman, as a result of which she is not able to quickly give birth to a baby.

Massage during contractions

If common methods of easing contractions do not help, specialists solve the problem using medication methods. Anesthesia is essential for a painless birth. But such interference in the natural process negatively affects the child and the expectant mother.

Each period of labor has its own types of breathing, but the basis for all is the same: abdominal breathing. In order to train it, put your hands on your stomach and try to breathe so that your chest remains motionless, and your arms (and stomach) rise and fall. And remember, during childbirth, all inhalations should be through the nose, and exhalations through the mouth, while the lips should be folded into a tube (this increases the resistance to the blown out air, and, therefore, stretches the exhalation).

So, the long-awaited contractions began, at first they were weak, not yet painful, but already unpleasant. At this time, Breathing is usually not required yet, but when the strength of the contraction increases and the first painful sensations appear, this is where the first type of breathing will help - delayed. Usually a person makes up to 17 breaths per minute and always inhale is shorter than exhale. To anesthetize contractions of medium strength, you need to breathe deeply and slowly. To begin with, a slow and deep breath for 3 seconds - exhale for 7 seconds. (It is better to train with a watch with a second hand in front of the gases). Thus, you get 6 breaths per minute. The stronger the contractions, the slower you need to breathe: inhale for 5 seconds - exhale for 10 (4 breaths per minute are obtained). And then even less often: inhale for 6 seconds - exhale for 12 (it turns out about 3 respiratory movements per minute). However, the latter option requires some training.

When the contractions become strong and painful, slow breathing no longer helps. It is replaced by the following type of breathing - wave breathing. The fight goes in waves, at first it grows, then it lasts for a while, then the strength of the fight decreases. Breathing should repeat this wave: at first, breathing is slow and deep, then the strength of the contraction increases, and breathing becomes frequent and shallow (the so-called doggy breath), then the contraction subsides, and the breathing gradually turns back into slow and deep. In between contractions, you need to relax, but if the breaks become short, and the contractions are strong and painful, between contractions you need to breathe with a slow type of breathing (so as not to “miss” the beginning of the next contraction), for example, inhale for 3, exhale for 7 seconds.

Dog breathing can be replaced with other types if desired. First - candle breathing(slow deep breath in through the nose and sharp exhalation through the mouth). More can be done respite(inhale - exhale as if breathing with a "dog" - blowing out - a little stretched, but quick exhalation). You can also " build pyramids"(inhale - exhale - blow out, then 2 "inhale - exhale" - blow out, 3 "inhale - exhale" - blow out and vice versa). It also takes the pain away. Do not forget to breathe with your stomach, as well as that you need to inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth (the exception is dog breathing - here you can breathe either only through your mouth, or only through your nose).

This breath dries out the nose and mouth. You can rinse your mouth with water, and either lubricate your nose with vaseline oil, or you can use the Aquamaris spray (both must be prepared in advance and taken with you to the roadblock).

Note! If, after the end of the fight, the head is very dizzy (“breathed” - there is an excess of oxygen in the blood), then it is necessary to create a slight hypoxia - close your nose with your hand or a blanket and breathe for a few seconds.

It is also important to move more during contractions. When the muscles work, they require more oxygen, which means that the speed of blood flow increases (and the heartbeat becomes faster), and, consequently, the blood flow increases everywhere, including in the placenta.

If you really want to scream, do not waste precious energy on it. In this case it's better sing. It is better to sing vowel sounds: “A”, “O”, “U”, etc. Take a deep slow breath in through the nose and on the exhale draw a vowel sound. You can also buzz (pull the sound "Zh"), mumble (sound "M") or itch (sound "Z").

At some point, an attempt joins the contractions. You can’t push right away - you need to call a doctor, he will evaluate the opening of the cervix and either allow you to push, or you will have to “breathe” for a few attempts. You will also have to “breathe” the moment the face is born (at this moment the midwife will say that you can’t push). For removal of attempts can be used doggy breath or sobbing(deep breath, then many small exhalations, or vice versa, many small breaths, then a smooth exhalation).

And so the doctor allowed me to push, and the most crucial period of childbirth comes - attempts. During this period, the main thing is to fully obey the midwife. But even here it is necessary to breathe properly. Breathing in a rush: a deep breath through the mouth, holding the breath (at this time, you need to look at the navel and push on the perineum (as with constipation)). SLOW exhale. The most important thing here is not to exhale sharply and not to scream. Otherwise, all the force of the attempt will go into a cry, and the attempt will be ineffective. If everything is done correctly, then for one attempt you need to push 3 times.

All these types of breathing are best practiced every day. If you devote at least 15 minutes a day to breathing training, then, firstly, it will be familiar to the body and will be remembered by itself during childbirth, and, secondly, this is training the baby. It is important for the baby that the mother trains to hold her breath during pregnancy. This will help the baby in childbirth better adapt to hypoxia.

Another component of pain is the fear of it. If you wait for the pain, it will seem very strong. You can't set yourself up for pain. When you know that the pain can be reduced, the fear also decreases. Future mothers, remember that the baby is also scared during childbirth, he does not know what will happen next. Do not forget to talk to him in childbirth, let him hear your voice - he will be calmer, because now you are the whole universe for him ... Health to you and your babies. Peaceful pregnancy and easy childbirth.
py. sy.)) that's how it is written, so I breathed. really good ... and I managed to talk on the phone))) so don't waste time screaming, it's better to breathe carefully. don't rush lol. and everything will be for-me-cha-tel-but)) if you have any questions, ask))))))))

Partner childbirth is always a big responsibility: whether a friend, husband or one of the relatives will be with the expectant mother, he should become support and, if possible, alleviate the suffering of the woman in labor. Teachers at prenatal training courses often mention ways to alleviate the suffering of a woman due to contractions, but we decided to systematize this information.

1. Facial massage helps to get rid of stress and relax;

2. Remind the expectant mother to go to the toilet every hour: a full bladder is not only very unpleasant, but also increases the feeling of contractions;

3. Put a cold compress on the neck and face of the woman in labor or lightly moisten with cool water;

4. If doctors do not forbid, you can offer a woman water and light snacks - they will help replenish the energy that the expectant mother loses during contractions;

5. Help the woman in labor to change her position to speed up the process of dilating the cervix. Some positions will be painful, others will give a little respite from pain, your task is to find the best option for her;

6. During contractions, the expectant mother suffers from back pain: massage her lower back, lightly press on the sacrum. Also, the “on all fours” position helps to cope with pain;

7. Be there: Even if a woman doesn't want to be massaged during contractions, feeling the presence and support of a loved one is very important. Encourage her with words, hold her hand;

Light shower. Many doctors agree that water perfectly relaxes muscles and relieves pain, so if there are no contraindications, you can help a woman take a warm shower;

9. Try to distract a woman from pain: if her condition allows, talk to her, listen to your favorite music, read something interesting. Be an intermediary between the woman in labor and the medical staff;

10. Remind her that soon the pain will pass, and the expectant mother will be able to hold her baby in her arms - this always works.

Video: Childbirth without pain

The appearance of contractions

Many first-time moms worry they'll miss the offensive. contractions. In the last weeks of pregnancy, false contractions are observed, which are taken as harbingers of childbirth, but real contractions cannot be confused with anything. Harbingers of contractions can be: discharge of amniotic fluid, the appearance of a mucous plug that clogged the cervix, dull pain in the hips or back. The first contractions are similar to pain and cramps during menstruation, but soon these sensations intensify. When contractions become regular, it's time to rush to the hospital. When the situation stabilizes, the duration of contractions is from 40 seconds.

This is the beginning of the first stage of labor, when the cervix begins to open. If it's the first birth, the muscles of the uterus can contract for 10-12 hours, so don't be scared or worried. You will have a formal survey and the first examination at the maternity hospital, you may be asked to take an analysis for the presence of protein and sugar. If the water has not broken yet, you can take a shower.

Video: How to survive a fight

Comfortable contraction positions

You can relieve pain, or at least get a little distracted, by changing body positions - a birth partner can help you with this.

• vertical position. Effective at the initial stage of contractions: you can lean against a wall or bed. You can sit on a chair (facing the back), leaning on a pillow. To make it softer to sit, another pillow can be placed on the surface of the chair. Lower your head on your hands, breathe calmly and measuredly, spread your knees to the sides;
• Kneeling or with support. During contractions, you can put your hands on your husband's shoulders and lean on your feet. Ask for a relaxing massage. You can also kneel, spread your legs, and lower your hands on the pillow. Try to keep your back straight;
• "On knees". It is most convenient to take this position on the mattress: make forward movements of the pelvis, try to relax between contractions, resting your head on your hands. If you transfer the weight to your hands, then reduce the back pain that the baby's head causes in cephalic presentation (it rests directly on the mother's spine). In the intervals between spasms, you can walk around, massage can be performed by your partner - pressure in a circular motion on the base of the spine is especially effective;
• Movement helps to cope with pain from contractions - it is worth walking in intervals, keeping your back straight, then the baby's head will rest against the cervix and the opening process will go faster. Try to relax during breaks, focus on breathing. Visit the restroom more often - a full bladder is not the best feeling, and it can interfere with the progress of the fetus.

Second phase of labor or pushing

For a woman, the most difficult time is the end of the first phase, the contractions become long and painful, and also very frequent. At this point, the woman needs help and support, as you may be faced with tears, depression, the expectant mother may begin to feel chills or begin to fall asleep. Breathe with her, support her, wipe away sweat. If you see that the woman in labor is cold, take care of a warm bathrobe and socks. If you start pushing, call the midwife.

The second period is the expulsion of the fetus, so in addition to contractions, the woman in labor needs to make her own efforts, listen to the guidance of the midwife. The duration of this period is up to several hours.

Video: Breathing during contractions and attempts

Poses for the second phase of childbirth:

• "On knees". Under the influence of gravity, the lumen of the pelvis opens faster, but you can quickly feel tired. It is best if the husband sits on the edge of the chair and spreads his knees, and you can comfortably sit between them and rest your hands on his hips;
• On the knees. Less tiring position, it reduces pain. It is best if your spouse supports you so that the body is more stable. If you feel tired, lean on your hands, but keep your back straight;
• Sitting on the bed. If it's not very comfortable, cover yourself with pillows. With the beginning of attempts, you can lower your head down, and clasp your legs with your hands, do not forget to rest in the interval.

childbirth

During this period, all that the expectant mother needs is to listen to the instructions of the doctors. As soon as the baby's head appears, you will no longer need to push, relax, catch your breath. After a few contractions, the baby's body will also appear: after the little miracle is placed on the woman's stomach, the torment is quickly forgotten. Then the baby is taken for examination: the neonatologist makes control weighing, measurements, cuts off the umbilical cord.

After giving birth, women are often given an injection that strengthens the contractions of the uterus so that the placenta comes out faster, otherwise, if you wait until it comes off naturally, you can lose a lot of blood. This issue is discussed in advance with the doctor, as well as anesthesia.

Childbirth is a tedious and complicated process, but all the unpleasant sensations are forgotten when you hold the baby in your arms for the first time.

Fear of pain during childbirth is rooted in the soul of a woman from the very beginning, and even after giving birth once, she can continue to be afraid. Why it occurs is understandable, everyone says that there is nothing more painful than childbirth. Someone compares labor pain with fractures of 20 bones at once, someone says that it was the biggest pain in his life.

If you are expecting a baby, you, of course, do your best to set yourself up for positive. Thanks to the availability of information comes the understanding that this is a natural process that should not cause much pain. By the end of the term, you calm down and the desire to end the pregnancy becomes stronger than these fears. But the question of whether childbirth is facilitated still remains. Even the most self-confident person should have hope that if it suddenly hurts too much, they will help him.

Do they give painkillers during childbirth?

Of course, it is possible to make childbirth easy and painless, and analgesics during childbirth in one form or another are now used in almost 90% of women in labor. You can do it in such a way that a woman will simply oversleep them, and she will have to be woken up at the most crucial moment.

Pain medication during childbirth has even become a source of additional income for maternity hospitals; almost everywhere you can get this service for a fee (we are talking about epidural anesthesia). In the antenatal clinic, you can be given a list of things necessary for the maternity hospital, so far it may also contain medications designed to weaken contractions.

You now have plenty of chances to think over childbirth, although from the point of view of what is best for mother and child during physiological childbirth, a birth without drugs is, of course, preferable.

How to anesthetize childbirth

There are several options to make childbirth painless. They differ in efficiency and safety. Another question is whether it is necessary. Sometimes loss of pain sensitivity is vital. For example, if the contractions are strong, frequent, but ineffective, and the cervix does not open.

The following methods are used for this process:

• Physiological. This is a relaxing massage of the lower back, calm music, special breathing techniques and exercises, bath and shower.
• Spinal and - a special injection during childbirth in the spine with the introduction of drugs to the spinal cord. The most reliable and modern method. Such an injection during childbirth begins to act literally after 5 minutes, completely relieving pain.
• Other drugs are also used during childbirth, which are administered intramuscularly, intravenously and in other ways. These are mainly antispasmodics, narcotic analgesics and drugs that affect the central nervous system. Even nitrous oxide (an anesthetic) is used, which a woman breathes through a mask, independently adjusting the degree of anesthesia.
• Acupuncture and other physiotherapeutic methods of influence. Not applicable in all hospitals.

It also happens: at the end of the second stage of labor for about 40 minutes - 1 hour there are very intense, frequent contractions, leading to full disclosure of the cervix. The fatigue that has accumulated over the past hours makes itself felt, there is a strong feeling of pressure on the bottom, the baby presses his head on the cervix and sacral plexus, the head is pressed tightly against the entrance to the small pelvis and there is very little left before the baby is born.

A woman who says a firm "no" to any medical intervention may simply break down at this time. It is at such moments that a woman in labor most often screams - do me a caesarean, do at least something, stop it! But right now it's too late to do anything. If a woman in labor is given a medicine that really relieves pain, the baby may have complications after birth, for example, respiratory depression.

And then the necessary injection is given as a placebo. For example, a no-shpa is introduced, which does not have any effect on the uterus at all. This injection is done only to calm the mother, while she will wait for his action - she will have time to give birth.

How to relieve pain during childbirth on your own

The severity of pain during childbirth largely depends on how the woman in labor perceives the birth act. If you resist contractions, tighten up, then your body quickly gets tired and you begin to feel pain. It often happens that a woman initially expects pain during childbirth and thereby provokes its appearance. It's a vicious cycle - the more you resist contractions, the more pain you have, the more pain you have, the more you tighten up. The uterus is working hard, but the cervix cannot open - you do not let her do it with your fear.

The pain syndrome increases due to the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles of the uterus and its resistance to itself: some muscles work to open, while others spasm and do not allow to open. Due to the fact that at present, almost all expectant mothers have the opportunity to attend childbirth preparation courses, and you have the opportunity to learn in advance how to anesthetize childbirth on your own.

In the courses you will learn everything about special breathing and relaxation techniques in childbirth, about exercises that help, you will tune in to the fact that giving birth is not painful, and should not be painful. It’s good if you have a partner with you during childbirth, not necessarily a husband. Even your mother, aunt or friend can act as an assistant during childbirth. She needs to go to these courses with you. Here they will teach you how to do a relaxing massage during childbirth, how to breathe with the woman in labor, how to support and guide her at the right moment.

Yes, childbirth cannot be completely painless. Unpleasant sensations, of course, will be. Partly on how much it will be unpleasant and painful for you, you can influence yourself. And remember that if you suddenly can’t cope - there are alternative ways to relieve pain, analgesics are used during childbirth, if you need it, they will help you.