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Labour & Coping Mechanism’s

Table of contents

Labour………………………………………………………………..2

What is labour? ……………………………………………….2

Signs and symptoms…………………………………………..3

How long is labour?...................................................................7

Fetal monitoring in labour …………………………………….8

Pain relief options…………………………………………………….9

Active birth ………...…………………………………………10

TENS …………………………………………………………16

Entonox………………………………………………………..17

Pethidine………………………………………………………17

Epidural……………………………………………………….18

Alternative pain relief options……………………………………….21

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LABOUR

You turn up pregnant, you leave with a baby……..

But what really happens in between is the bit we’re all excited about!

It’s been 40 weeks of magic and you are on the home stretch. With your

due date approaching you should ensure that you are informed about

what will happen during labour and birth

Recent years has seen an increase in the number of women requesting a more natural

birth. In response, hospital midwives working in busy labour wards have modified

their practices in order to make the birthing process less medical and clinical. Hence

some outdated practices have been replaced. Women are now encouraged to be active

in labour and deliver in whatever position they choose. In Cavan we have a

Midwifery Led Unit which really adapts this approach while maintaining the highest

of safety standards.

What is labour really like & how do you know it has started?

Everyone’s labour is different, and pinpointing when it begins is not always clear. It’s

more of a process than a single event, when a number of changes in your body work

together to help you give birth. Most people will tell you that you’ll just know! Not

much help if you haven’t been through it before. I know it’s easier said than done, but

it’s important to stay calm during labour and have confidence in your body. Research

shows that a positive mindset can lead to a positive outcome. Familiarising yourself

with the signs & symptoms of labour will help clear up any confusion you may have!

Labour has three stages;

• First stage; when the neck of the womb (cervix) opens to 10 centimetres.

1. Latent Phase (early labour, 0-3cms)

2. Active Phase (established labour, 3-10cms)

• Second stage; when the baby moves down through the vagina and is born.

• Third stage; when the afterbirth (placenta) is delivered.

Labour is a journey, every woman’s labour is different!

Before labour starts, the neck of the womb is long, firm and closed. During the latent

(early) phase, the muscles of the uterus (womb) contract and make the cervix become

flat and soft, at the same time opening it to approximately 3-4cm. This flattening is

called ‘cervical effacement’ or thinning.

The latent phase can last several days or weeks before ‘active’ labour starts. Some

women can feel backache or cramps during this phase. Some women have bouts of

contractions lasting a few hours which then stop and start up again the next day. This

is normal.

Remember – the ‘latent phase’ of labour can last a very long time,

especially for first time mothers. Your body knows how to give birth.

When you understand what helps or hinders the natural process you

can create the right environment around you.

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Signs and Symptoms of Labour

Pre labour signs; Although the following may indicate that labour is not far off, they are not actually

part of the labour process.

• Braxton Hicks contractions are random practice contractions that occur at

various times throughout pregnancy. They are typically not painful and do not

dilate the cervix as real contractions do. If you have been experiencing

Braxton Hicks contractions these may become stronger in your last month.

Braxton Hicks contractions seldom continue regularly for more than 60

minutes.

• You may be aware of your baby’s head pressing down.

• You may have a bout of diarrhoea and some women also feel nauseated.

• Some women may experience a burst of energy a day or two before they go

into labour.

Classic labour signs; A SHOW;

• A ‘show’ is a white/pinkish/red mucus discharge which comes from the

cervical canal (neck of the womb).

• As the cervix begins to soften and open, the mucus which has been protecting

the entrance to your womb comes away.

• Many women experience a ‘show’.

• Having a ‘show’ means that your body is starting to get ready for labour – but

the actual birth is likely to be some time away.

• Some women have a ‘show’, several days before labour starts.

• If you have an internal examination, you may have a ‘show’ afterwards.

• You do not need to contact the hospital but await events.

WATERS BREAKING;

• During pregnancy, your baby is surrounded by amniotic fluid – the

‘waters’. For some women, the first sign that labour is going to start is

that the waters begin to leak.

• The water leaking/breaking is when the bag of fluid around the baby

breaks and the waters leak.

• There may be a gush of fluid or a slow trickle.

• This may happen before or during labour.

• The fluid is normally a clear colour.

But it can also be;

• Green (Meconium) – the baby has recently had a bowel motion.

• Pink/red (Blood stained) – there is some blood present.

• It is quite common for women to leak a small amount of urine at the end

of pregnancy and it can be difficult to tell if your waters have broken or if

it is urine. If you think your waters have broken, put a sanitary pad on and

lie/sit down and if it is wet/damp after 1 hour, your waters have possibly

broken.

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• Approximately 80% of women will go into labour spontaneously

following their waters breaking.

• You need to make contact with the maternity unit if you think your waters

have broken and come in for assessment.

If there is any bright red bleeding, like that of a period, or greenish

fluid, you should contact the Maternity Unit, 049 4376613.

CONTRACTIONS can be;

• Regular tightening followed by relaxation of the womb.

• Occurring every 5-10 minutes, increasing in strength and duration.

• Aching in the back, moving around to the front lower abdomen.

• Backache that comes and goes in a regular pattern.

• Pains that feel like strong period pains.

In the latent phase of labour, contractions may start and stop. This is normal.

Contractions may continue for several hours but not become longer and stronger.

They stay at about 30-40 seconds. This too is normal.

Remember – a ‘start-stop’ pattern of contractions is common in the

latent phase

In the active phase, contractions should continue until the baby is born. When you are

having regular contractions, which are getting Longer, Stronger & Closer Together,

you are in the active part of labour. The midwife may also describe the active phase as

‘established labour’. It is not possible to say when active labour will begin. It could

start in a couple of hours or in several days, so try and stay as relaxed as you can and

distract yourself from focussing only on the contractions. Even though you’ll be

desperate to get to hospital and finally meet your baby, you’ll be much more

comfortable staying at home unless there is a medical reason to go in, especially as

first labours then to last 12-16 hours (plus some!). There is evidence to suggest that

the further on in labour you are when you come in to hospital, the more likely you are

to have a normal birth.

There are things you can do to help yourself, such as;

• Pottering around the house

• Taking a walk • Watching a DVD/video

• Taking a warm bath or shower

• Having a nap

• Doing some relaxation

• Keeping your breathing quiet and fluid – ‘breath in gently, sigh out slowly’

• Trying massage – ask your partner or labour supporter to do this for you

• Putting a heat pack on any areas that ache – your lower back, your tummy

(under the bump) or between your thighs. Wrap it in a small towel first

• Keeping as mobile as you can, while remembering to save your energy for the

active part of labour

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• Try out different positions and using a birthing ball to experiment with what

helps

• Drinking plenty of fluids – water, sports (isotonic) drinks, apple juice are all

good

• Eating little and often – carbohydrates (bread, pasta, rice, cereal) for slow –

release energy plus sugary foods for quick-release energy

• You may find it helps to make love – kissing, cuddling and having an orgasm

all cause your body to produce oxytocin. This is the hormone which is also

produced in labour and which makes the uterus contract.

Experiment with positions that you find comfortable. Stay upright and mobile as there

are advantages to staying off the bed and keeping upright in labour, gravity helps your

baby move down through the birth canal. This can mean standing, sitting, squatting,

kneeling and walking around. You may find a birthing ball, a floor mat and a beanbag

useful at this stage.

Some women choose to have the support of more than one person. Your birth

supporters can encourage and reassure you and help to tell your midwife what you

would like.

Partners can help with things such as:

• Massage

• Keeping you active

• Getting you drinks

• Praising and encouraging you

• Giving you cuddles

• Keeping you company and even trying to make you laugh!

MOST IMPORTANTLY

Your birthing supporter/partner should be someone who you can be

totally relaxed and comfortable with.

Remember that you help your labour to carry on smoothly by avoiding stimulating the

‘rational’ part of the brain. You need peace, quiet and a feeling of safety to help you

relax and so increase the levels of your own natural pain relievers – ‘endorphins’.

During labour you can take measures such as avoiding:

• Bright lights

• People asking you questions which you have to think to answer

• People talking to you during contractions

• Feeling as if people are watching or judging you

By having privacy, quiet, being in a darkened room and feeling safe, your ‘rational’

brain can be less stimulated and can allow your body to help you to begin your labour.

Listening to music you have chosen can also help.

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Remember – labour is a journey, and the early part of 1st stage

can take a long time. This is normal.

Quick labours are not always the easiest to cope with!

When you are having regular painful contractions (1 every 5 minutes, lasting 40-50

seconds), need pain relief and/or support you can come to the hospital. It is a good

idea to telephone the hospital when you think you may be in labour, the midwives are

always available to offer support and advice, which in turn will give you a better more

positive experience.

Useful telephone numbers;

• Hospital Reception; 049 4361399

• Early Pregnancy Unit; 049 4376060 • Out-patient Clinic Appointments; 049 4376911/6133/6130

• Dr Hussain’s secretary; 049 4376130

• Dr Aziz’z secretary; 049 4376133

• Dr Syeds secretary; 049 4376911

• Dr Essajee’s secretary; 047 4338844

• Cavan Maternity Unit, 049 4376613 • Cavan Labour Ward, 049 4376612

• Midwifery Led Unit, 049 4376059/ 087 9799385

• Special Care Baby Unit; 049 4376323

• Breastfeeding Specialist; 049 4376864

• Parentcraft Co-ordinator; 049 4376541

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How Long Is Labour?

FIRST

STAGE

Latent

Phase

EARLY

LABOUR

(0-4cm.)

ACCELERATED

LABOUR

(4-8cm.)

TRANSITION

(8-10cm.)

SECOND

STAGE

(10cm-birth)

THIRD

STAGE

Delivery of

the placenta

Thinning

and

opening of

the cervix.

Not

necessarily

painful.

3-5 days.

Contractions

5-30 mins

apart

15-40 secs

long

Mild – feel

like cramps

and back

pain.

4-8 hours

Contractions

2-3 mins apart

45-60 secs long

Stronger and more

intense

4-6 hours

Contractions

1.5-3 mins apart

45-90 secs long

The strongest

ones

2-3 hours

Contractions

3-5 mins apart

45-70 secs

long

More aware

of urge to

push and

fullness in

vagina and

bowel as baby

moves down.

2-3 hours

A feeling of

fullness and

cramping as the

placenta

separates

A time to hold

and enjoy your

baby!

15min-1hour

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Listening to your baby’s heartbeat during labour

You will be offered an electronic tracing of your baby’s heartbeat for 20 minutes

when you arrive for admission to the maternity unit.

What are we checking for?

We are monitoring your baby’s heartbeat, movements and your contractions. During

contractions the blood flow to the placenta is reduced and your baby may get less

oxygen than usual. This is normal and most babies cope without any problems. But if

the baby is not getting enough oxygen, the pattern of the heartbeat usually changes. In

some case this means that he or she needs to be delivered quickly.

How is it done?

• A small, handheld ultrasound machine caller a ‘Doppler’ or a trumpet

shaped implement called a ‘Pinard Stethoscope’ can be used to monitor

your baby’s heartbeat every 15minutes during the active phase of the first

stage labour and every 5 minutes during the pushing stage. If there are no

complications or risk factors in the labour this is a safe method of monitoring

your baby’s well being which allows you move around.

• If continual monitoring is indicated an Electronic Fetal Monitor

(EFM) can be used. Two receivers held in place by belts around your

waist and hips monitor your baby’s heartbeat and contractions. This

may be done for 20-30 minutes initially and can be continual

throughout labour if indicated.

• EFM can also be recorded by a Fetal Scalp Electrode which is an

electrode fastened to the baby’s head by a very small clip. This

method is used if there is difficulty recording your baby’s heartbeat

abdominally.

Which is best? If you are healthy and have a trouble free pregnancy and labour the

optimal way to listen to your baby’s heartbeat during labour is with a

hand-held Doppler or Pinard.

However, if you have problems in your pregnancy and/or labour your baby

may need to be monitored by the electronic fetal heart monitor.

Some reasons for this include:

o Induction of labour with Syntocinon drip.

o High blood pressure

o Twins

o Previous Caesarean

o Epidural - if you have one

o Pro-longed Labour

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Pain Relief Options

When labour starts you will initially feel tightening of your uterus (womb). These will

gradually become regular and stronger and as labour progresses the pain usually

becomes stronger.

The amount of pain felt during labour can vary. Pain can also occur in the lower back.

Over 90% of women find that they need some sort of pain relief.

It is helpful to attend antenatal classes run by midwives. Understanding what might

happen during labour will make you feel less anxious. At these classes you can also

learn about the types of pain relief that are in use.

Non Pharmacological Pharmacological

Methods Methods

Mobilising/ Positions Entonox (gas & air).

Water Pethidine

Relaxation techniques Epidural

Breathing

Massage

Music

TENS

Heat Packs

Alternative Methods

Aromatherapy

Acupuncture

Reflexology

Homeopathy

Hypnosis

For many women labour = pain. Yes, pain is part of the birth process. However, the

pain of labour is like no other, in that it doesn’t signal that something is wrong, but

that your body is working towards the birth of your baby. Your body is helping you

rather than harming you. Embrace and accept the contractions and your body will

work more efficiently for you. A body that is fit, rested, well hydrated and nourished

will sustain energy levels longer and work more efficiently.

Most women will have experienced varying degrees of pain in their lives and will

have some idea of their pain threshold. Consider what method and/or methods of pain

relief you may like in your labour, but keep an open mind, you may find that you

manage with natural methods much better than you could have hoped.

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Go with the flow!

Suggestions for coping with the first stage of labour & ways to help yourself;

• Keep moving between contractions, this helps you cope physically with the

pain. During contractions, take up a comfortable position.

• Try to stay as upright as possible, so that the baby’s head sits firmly on the

cervix, making your contractions stronger and more effective.

• Concentrate on your breathing, to calm you and take your mind off the

contraction.

• Relax in between contractions to save your energy for when you need it.

• Sigh, or even moan and groan to release pain.

• Focus on what the contraction is achieving, visualise the cervix opening!

• Take one contraction at a time, and don’t think about the contractions to

follow. Perhaps see each contraction as a wave, which you have to ride over to

reach the baby.

• Pass urine often, so that your bladder doesn’t get in the way of the baby.

• Have a warm bath, for as long as you feel comfortable.

Massage; Massage increases heat to the underlying tissue and is thought to increase the use of

endorphins, which are your body’s naturally produced painkillers. Massage can be

done by your partner, birth partner. During the early stages of labour you may find

general massage of the back and shoulders calming. Later, pressure applied to the

sacral area during a contraction may be useful.

Eat & Drink; Something light and nourishing is best. If labour gets going during the night and you

have to get up, eat a light breakfast even if its 4 am, you probably won’t feel like

eating later. A well nourished and hydrated body will work more efficiently for you in

labour!

Music; Music therapy encourages women to cope with labour and delivery without drugs,

helps them to breathe properly and focus their attention. Using music for some

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women may make them less anxious during labour. All women are welcome to bring

in their own music, perhaps music they listened to while their babies were in-utero.

Mobilising; Remaining mobile, especially during the early stages of labour, can help reduce

backache as well as acting as a distraction to the pain. Try different positions in labour

using cushions, bean bags or a ‘birthing ball’ for support until you find a position that

suits you best. When you are having a contraction, concentrate on relaxing your

whole body. Active Birth will enable your uterus to contract freely and the baby’s

head to rotate and descend and thereby speeding up labour and assisting in an easier

birth.

Water; There are considerable benefits of using water during labour, including less painful

contractions, less need for pharmacological pain relief and shorter labour. Water

supports the body, and relaxing in the bath may offer welcome relief. The lapping of

the water over your tummy may be very comforting and soothing.

BREATHING FOR LABOUR;

FIRST STAGE BREATHING

o Keep it simple

o Breathing for labour should not be a great conscious effort.

o Start each contraction with a breath

o Then a slow relaxing breath in and out.

o Remain calm and keep your breathing rate as slow as feels comfortable.

o As breathing becomes faster with the intensity of the contraction, take shallow

breaths – ‘candle breathing’.

o At the end of the contraction take a slow relaxing breath in and out.

TRANSITION BREATHING

o Labour partner keeps a continuous eye contact during

contractions

o Distraction such as singing nursery rhymes, counting or

tapping out a rhythm to avoid holding your breath or

involuntary pushing.

SECOND STAGE BREATHING

o You do not need to hold your breath when you are

pushing.

o Pushing with shorter pushes is as effective, take as

many breaths as you need during a contraction.

o Pushing during an out breath is efficient.

o Remember not all contractions are equal.

o Conserve energy by relaxing in between contractions.

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Positions; Try a variety of positions in the first stage, as different positions will probably be

comfortable at different times. Practice these before hand, so that you can follow your

body’s natural cues with ease. You may find that you want to lie down at some time

during the first stage. Rest on your side, not on your back, with your head and upper

thigh well supported by cushions.

Staying Upright;

During early contractions, support yourself on a nearby surface,

such as a wall, chair, seat, bed table or the hospital bed.

Kneel down as necessary.

Sitting Forwards; Sit facing the back of the chair, and lean over it on a

pillow or cushion. Rest your head on your folded arms.

Keep your knees apart; you can put a cushion on the seat

of the chair too.

Resting on your Partner; As you move around in early labour, you may like to lean

against your partner during contractions. He can massage

your back or stroke your shoulders.

Kneeling Forwards; Kneel down on a birthing mat with your legs apart, and relax forwards on a pile of

cushions, pillows or a beanbag. Try to be as upright as possible. Sit to one side

between contractions.

On all Fours; Kneel down on your hands and knees on all fours and tilt your pelvis to and fro. Do

not arch your back. Between contractions, relax and rest your head on your arms.

Backache Labour (OP Position);

• When the baby is facing towards your abdomen, instead of away from it, its

head tends to press against your spine, causing backache. To relieve pain:

• During contractions, lean forward with your weight supported, such as on all

fours, to take the baby’s weight off your back, and rock your pelvis to and fro

between contractions.

• Ask your partner to massage your back, or hold a heat pack to the base of your

spine during contractions.

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Some Active Positions for Labour

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A to Z of Natural Pain Relief in Labour.

A is for Active Birth, actively participating in your birth.

B is for Breathing & Body Awareness

C is for Cuddles

D is for Drink plenty of fluids

E is for Eat little & often

F is for Freedom to mobilise around

G is for Getting in tune with your body

H is for Heat; baths, heat packs & hot water bottles

I is for Imagine your baby moving down through your pelvis

J is for Judgement.......... Trusting your own & your midwives

K is for Knowledge & Kisses

L is for Love & Laughter

M is for Massage & Music

N is for Nestle down in a large pile of cushions or a huge bean bag

O is for Opening & allowing your baby to be born

P is for Positive thinking & Praise

Q is for Quiet, enjoy your own space

R is for Relaxation and Rocking

S is for Support & Smiles

T is for Trust your body; ‘you can give birth’

U is for Understanding what's happening & keeping upright

V is for Variety of positions

W is for Water & Walking

X is for Xtra kisses!!

Y is for Your own instincts

Z is for ZZZzzzzzzzzzzz, doze off in between contractions

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UPRIGHT POSITIONS V’S

RECLINING POSITIONS

SQUATTING, STANDING, KNEELING SUPINE, SEMI-RECLINING

1. GRAVITY EFFECTIVE Weight of baby’s head and body puts even

pressure on the cervix

= faster dilation.

2. UTERUS TILTS FORWARD DURING

CONTRACTIONS WITHOUT

RESISTANCE = more efficient contractions & less pain.

3. LESS PRESSURE ON MAJOR BLOOD

VESSELS = better blood flow to baby and placenta, better

oxygenation, less fetal distress.

4. SACRUM MOBILE = pelvic canal can widen & adjust to descending

head.

5. PELVIC JOINTS CAN EXPAND & MOVE

LESS PRESSURE ON NERVES = less pressure on joints, less pain ( especially

backache), more space, pelvic diameters

increase.

6. SECOND STAGE PELVIS UPRIGHT = baby’s angle of descent easiest (down & out).

Uterus exerts maximum force.

Bearing down more efficient – shortens second

stage.

7. PERINEUM CAN EXPAND EVENLY

DUE TO PRESSURE FROM BABYS

HEAD = less risk of tearing

8. BABY AT BIRTH OPTIMAL CONDITION

9. ACTIVE = less need for painkillers or interventions, no

side effects.

1 .OPPOSES GRAVITY Less pressure on cervix from baby’s weight.

Uneven pressure on cervix

= slower dilation.

2. UTERUS WORKS AGAINST

RESISTANCE FROM GRAVITY

DURING CONTRACTIONS = less efficient contractions

more pain.

3. WEIGHT OF UTERUS RESTS ON

MAJOR BLOOD VESSELS = can affect blood flow - greater risk

of fetal distress.

4. SACRUM IMMOBILE = pelvic canal and outlet narrowed.

5. PELVIS LESS FLEXIBLE MORE

PRESSURE ON NERVES. = more pressure and pain, less space

for baby, pelvic diameters decrease.

6. SECOND STAGE PELVIS HORIZONTAL = baby’s angle of descent more difficult

(up hill). Bearing down force less efficient –

prolongs 2nd stage.

7. DIRECT PRESSURE ON PERINEUM

FORM BABY’S HEAD CANNOT EXPAND

EVENLY = greater risk of tearing.

8. BABY AT BIRTH MAY BE

UNNECESSARILY COMPROMISED

9. PASSIVE = more need for painkillers or interventions,

possible side effects.

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Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Machine

(TENS)

o Sends weak pulsed electrical current, which feel like ‘pins & needles’, through

your skin via adhesive pads attached to your back

o Stimulates your body’s natural painkillers and blocking pain sensation.

o It can be used with other methods of pain relief.

o The strength or the current is controlled by the mother.

o It is most effective when it is used in early labour.

What are the benefits of TENS machine;

o Drug free

o You are in control

o You can continue to be mobile while using it

o It allows you to use other drugs such as pethidine or gas and air (entonox)

o It is very effective if used from the onset of labour

o No side effects to the baby

o No side effects to you

Please note that Cavan General Hospital does not provide a TENS machine, they may

be hired or bought from local pharmacies.

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ENTONOX

• This is a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen, also known as “gas and

air”. You breathe it in through a mask or mouth piece. It is simple

and quick to act, and wears off in minutes.

• It can be an effective pain killer if used in the correct way,

however, it sometimes makes you feel light headed or a little sick

for a short time. It does not harm your baby.

• It may not take the pain away completely, it dulls the sensation of

the contraction, but it may be helpful through at least part of the

labour. It can be used at any time during labour.

• It can be used in conjunction with other pain relief methods. You

control the amount of gas you use, but to get the best effect timing

is important.

• You should start breathing the gas as soon as you feel a contraction coming on

so that you will get the full effect when the pain is at its peak. You should not

use it between contractions or for long periods as this can make you feel dizzy

and tingly.

PETHIDINE

• Opiates such as Pethidine are strong pain killers. These are given by injection

into a muscle (usually thigh or buttock) by midwives.

• Pethidine is a widely used drug for pain relief in labour.

• It does not completely take the pain of contraction away; it takes the sharp

edge of the pain.

• It takes approx 20 min. to work and usually lasts about 2-3 hrs.

• It is given in the first stage of labour.

• Pethidine works well for some women as it aids relaxation.

• If a woman is tired, Pethidine can provide sedation (and sometimes much

needed sleep).

• It is given with an anti-sickness drug, as Pethidine can sometimes make you

feel sick.

• Pethidine crosses over the placenta and reaches the baby.

• If your baby delivers soon after receiving Pethidine, your baby’s breathing

may be affected and occasionally an antidote needs to be given.

• Most babies are fine, but they may tend to be a little sleepier in the first few

days and may take longer to establish feeding.

• Other side effects include; feeling shaky, light headed and disorientated.

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EPIDURAL

• An epidural is a method of pain relief which involves numbing the sensations

to your tummy area and womb.

• It involves placing a small plastic tube in a particular part of the spine called

the epidural space.

• It is the most complicated form of pain relief and it is performed by an

anaesthetist, but not all women need this level of pain control. When working

well it is the most effective method of pain relief.

Who can have an epidural?

• Most people can have an epidural, but there are a few women who cannot

have epidurals because of previous back surgery, certain medical conditions

and or bleeding disorders which may make it unsuitable. If you are in doubt,

you can speak with a midwife or one of your team doctors and they can further

advise you.

• If you have a complicated or long labour your midwife or obstetrician may

recommend that you have one.

What does it involve?

• Before inserting an epidural, a drip needs to be set up. This involves putting a

plastic tube into a vein in your hand or arm and running fluid through it (this is

often necessary in labour for other reasons).

• Then you will be asked to curl up on your side or sit bending forwards.

• Your back will be cleaned with antiseptic and a little injection of local

anaesthetic will be given into the skin to numb the area where the epidural

needle will be inserted.

• After the needle is in place a small tube is passed through it into the epidural

space in your back. This is where the nerves carrying pain from the uterus are

located. Care is needed for correct placement of the epidural needle as if it

should go too deep you may get a headache afterwards. It is therefore

important to keep still while the anaesthetist is putting in the epidural, but after

the tube is in place and taped to your back you will be free to move.

• Once the epidural is in place pain relieving drugs can be given as often as is

necessary, sometimes continuously by a pump.

• While the epidural is taking effect, the midwife will take your blood pressure

regularly.

• The anaesthetist and your midwife will also check that the epidural is working

properly. It usually takes between 5-20 minutes for the drugs to take their full

effect, but occasionally it doesn’t work well at first, and some adjustment is

needed.

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The potential disadvantages or complications of epidural.

Complications or adverse effects can occur, even though your anaesthetist takes

special precautions to avoid them. People vary in how they interpret words and

numbers. This scale is provided to help you.

Very

Common

Common Uncommon Rare Very Rare

1 in 10 1 in 100 1 in 1000 1 in 10,000 1 in 100,000

What are the effects and side effects?

• Sometimes it may be technically difficult or even impossible to locate the

epidural space and the procedure may be abandoned (uncommon).

• Occasionally the epidural only partly works leaving you with patches of pain

(uncommon); this can be corrected in most instances and the anaesthetist can

re-site the epidural if necessary. In a small number of women, epidurals do not

work at all (very rare).

• Your blood pressure may drop when the epidural is first put in and whenever

you have a top-up (common). The midwife will check your blood pressure

regularly.

• A sudden drop in your blood pressure can affect your baby and so your baby

will be monitored continuously for the rest of your labour; your baby’s heart

may slow down, usually this just needs watching and will return to normal.

However, if it is severe or persistent indicating that your baby is distressed, the

obstetrician may decide to deliver the baby by Caesarean section (rare).

• You may feel sick and you may be sick (common).

• Some women find they become very itchy; this is harmless and wears off after

the epidural is stopped (common).

• Occasionally epidurals make you shiver. This can be alarming but wears off

quite soon (uncommon).

• You may lose some sensation and it may be difficult to know when you need

to pass urine (common). The midwife will empty your bladder by placing a

catheter (thin tube) put into your bladder to drain out the urine; the insertion of

this tube can sometimes cause a urinary infection (rare).

• An epidural can prolong the second stage of labour and you may find you do

not have the urge to push when it is time for your baby to be born (common);

as a result there is an increased chance that you will need an assisted delivery

with suction or forceps (common).

• You may experience a severe headache. This is caused by a puncture in the

sac that contains the spinal fluid by the hollow needle, causing the fluid to leak

out. It usually disappears in a few days but if symptoms persist a further

epidural may be needed (common).

• Body temperature can rise the longer the epidural is in place. Meningitis, an

infection of the brain, can occur (very rare).

• There is a small risk of the epidural drugs being injected into a blood vessel

which may cause dizziness and seizures that require immediate treatment;

(very rare).

• There is a very small risk of nerve damage producing a weakness or numbness

in one or both legs which may be temporary (rare) or permanent (very rare).

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• The needle or fine tube can break in the body tissues or the epidural space

which may require surgical removal (very rare).

• Epidurals do not cause long-term backache but can cause local tenderness

around the needle site. This will only last a few days (common).

Although extremely rare, life threatening conditions can occur such as low blood

pressure, respiratory or cardiac arrest, severe allergic reaction or convulsion. These

will require emergency treatment to save the lives of mother and baby. However, the

use of epidural during labour and delivery has been well researched and proven to be

safe.

What if I need an operation?

• If you need an operation (such as a caesarean section or removal of a retained

placenta after delivery) the epidural and or spinal can be used instead of a

general anaesthetic.

• A mixture of strong local anaesthetic and painkiller can be used to “top up”

your epidural to provide enough numbness and pain relief for your operation.

• However, under certain circumstances, if the epidural is less than adequate, or

if there is no time to “top up” the epidural you may need a general anaesthetic.

• Occasionally, (1 in 20 chance) it is necessary to convert to using a general

anaesthetic part way through an operation if the epidural becomes less

effective.

What are the pros and cons of having a spinal anaesthetic compared with a

general anaesthetic?

• Spinals are generally safer for you and your baby.

• They enable you and your partner to share in the birth experience.

• You will not feel as drowsy afterward after a spinal as you would after a

general anaesthetic.

• They allow for earlier feeding and contact with your baby.

• You will have good pain relief for longer after the operation.

• Your baby will be born more alert.

• Rarely spinals do not work properly, so a general anaesthetic is required (1 in

100 chance).

• Itching can occur during or after the operation but this can be treated.

• Severe headache can occur (less than 1 in 100 chance) but this can be treated.

• Local tenderness in your back may occur for a few days. Spinals do not cause

long term backache.

You will have a choice of different methods for pain relief during labour and delivery.

If you need a caesarean section, be reassured it is safe and can be a very rewarding

experience. Most women will remain awake, but others will need to go to sleep for

the reasons discussed.

We hope that the information provided will enable you to make informed choices for

pain relief and anaesthesia. If you need further information please speak to your

midwife. She will discuss any issues or concerns that you may have and may

recommend that you make an appointment to see the anaesthetist.

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Alternative Pain Relief Methods

If you are considering using any of the following alternative methods

of pain relief such as Aromatherapy, Acupuncture, Reflexology, Homeopathy or

Hypnosis, please be aware that as midwives we may not be qualified in that area, so it

would be recommended that you consult with a qualified person in that area for

guidance and support.

Aromatherapy; Aromatherapy is... the skilled and controlled use of essential oils for physical and

emotional health and well being. “Aromatherapy is a caring, hands-on therapy which

seeks to induce relaxation, to increase energy, to reduce the effects of stress and to

restore lost balance to mind, body and soul.” Robert Tisserand.

Aromatherapy can be very useful in pregnancy, but great care should be taken and

consultation with a qualified Aroma therapist would be advised. As the essential oils

are easily absorbed through the skin and inhaled into the lungs, they then enter

the bloodstream and cross the placenta and the fetal circulation.

Acupuncture; Ancient Chinese therapy that involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points

on your body. It relieves pain by stimulating endorphins. Acupuncture is a method of

encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning.

Acupuncture should only be carried out by someone qualified in that area.

Reflexology; Often mistaken for a foot massage, this involves applying pressure to specific points

on the foot, which are linked to every organ and system of the body, to help relieve

pain. Through skilful manipulation a reflexologist can help to unblock the flow of

energy in organs and rebalance entire systems. It is particularly useful for stress

related conditions as it helps to discharge the negative effects of stress and stimulate

the body’s own healing. This should only be carried out by someone qualified in this

area.

Homeopathy; Homeopathy is a gentle, yet highly effective system of medicine which involves

treating the individual with highly diluted naturally occurring substances, in the form

of remedies, with the aim of triggering the body's natural system of healing, which

assists the natural tendency of the body to heal itself. Based on their individual

symptoms, a homeopath will match the most appropriate medicine to each patient. It

recognises that all systems of ill health are expressions of disharmony within the

whole person and it is the patient who needs treatment not the disease. Different

people react in different ways to the same disease. In order to select the correct

remedy, your homeopath will need to know not only your physical symptoms but also

as much as possible about yourself and how your symptoms affect you. This should

only be carried out by someone qualified in this area.

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Hypnosis/Hypnobirthing;

Hypnosis is a form of deep physical and mental relaxation. Hypnobirthing is a unique

antenatal programme that teaches simple but specific self-hypnosis and relaxation

techniques for an easier, gentler birth. Hypnobirthing is about training your mind to

relax so your body can easily do what it was designed for. It works by the power of

suggestion, which can reduce the intensity of labour pains. You are able to relax your

body and release some of the tension and anxiety which exacerbates pain. If you

believe you can control the pain you may be less frightened or disturbed by it and

therefore be more able to cope with it. It is not a form of sleep and you have full

control over yourself. You can come out of hypnosis any time you want. This should

only be carried out by someone qualified in this area.

YOUR MIDWIFE ON LABOUR WARD WILL HELP AND GUIDE

YOU IN YOUR PAIN RELIEF OPTIONS

~~ SO ASK HER ADVICE.