Pain relief in labour

Labour is the time when your uterus (womb) produces regular and increasingly strong tightenings, or contractions. There are 3 different stages of labour:

• The latent phase, which can last for a few days, as the tightening begins to become more frequent
• The 1st stage, when the contractions are now regular and lead to your cervix dilating to 10cm – this stage can vary. If it is your first time in labour, this stage is often longer.
• The 2nd stage lasts from when your cervix is fully dilated (10cm) until the birth of your baby

Everyone experiences labour pains in different ways. There are many different forms of pain relief you can use during your labour. It can be helpful to learn about the ways you can relieve the pain.

What options do I have for pain relief during labour?

Antenatal parenting classes can help you prepare for the birth and offer you more information about pain relief options. Please ask your community midwife about the classes available in your local area.

There are many different pain relief options during labour. It is a good idea to have an open mind.

Having a friend or birth partner with you while you are in labour can be helpful for you.

The people looking after you (for example, your midwife, anaesthetist or obstetrician) will give you more information about the types of pain relief that are available.

There are a number of different options to reduce pain during labour. Not all options are available to everyone. Some options use drugs or medication to reduce pain. Pain relief options that do not use drugs include water/birth pools and TENS machines.

Pain relief options that contain drugs include ‘gas and air’, pethidine and epidurals. Some can be given by your midwife during labour, such as ‘gas and air’. Others need an anaesthetist to see you first, such as an epidural. If you have any questions about pain relief in labour, you can ask at the obstetric anaesthetic clinic or your midwife.

Here are some helpful resources on pain relief during labour:

• Labour Pains: Pain relief and anaesthetic choices during labour
• Labour Pains: Translated resources

Can I change my mind and ask for an epidural during labour?

You may decide to start labour without an epidural but change your mind during your labour. You can ask for one later if you change your mind. Sometimes an epidural cannot be put in during the late stages of labour as it takes time for the epidural to work.

You might be advised to have an epidural early in labour due to certain health conditions. This can help reduce the risks to you and your baby. This will be discussed with you and an individualised plan of care will be made with you.

What anaesthetic will I get if I have an unplanned or emergency caesarean section?

An unplanned or emergency caesarean section can be done under:

• epidural
• spinal anaesthetic
• combined spinal and epidural (CSE)
• general anaesthetic

The choice you have will depend on how well you and your baby are at the time of going to theatre for the operation. If you are worried about this, talk to the anaesthetist in the clinic. You can also find further information by clicking here to visit the Labour Pains website and their caesarean birth advice and information.

Useful links

• Health for Under 5s- Pain relief options during labour