Heat and water may help to ease tension and backache in labour. Apply heat packs or try a shower or bath. Greenslopes Maternity Your Journey 25 Gas The gas given to women in labour is a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen; sometimes known as ‘laughing gas’. It helps lessen the pain during a contraction. It is inhaled during a contraction through a mask or a mouthpiece. You may experience nausea, light headedness and a dry mouth for a short time. There are no after effects for you or your baby. Pethidine This is a strong pain killer given by injection. It helps reduce the severity of the pain, but does not take it away completely. It can take up to 30 minutes to work. It can make you and your baby sleepy. Sometimes pethidine may contribute to breathing problems in your baby if given within two hours of birth. TENS machine TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. It is a small machine which you can control throughout the labour. It is attached to your back and sends small electrical pulses through the skin and underlying nerves, which decreases the pain messages your brain receives. It takes about 30 minutes to work and is best started early in labour. It is harmless to you and your baby. You may hire a TENS machine in advance from a pharmacist or physiotherapist, who will instruct you on how to use it. You may commence using a TENS machine at home in the early stages of labour and bring it to hospital with you. Natural pain relief and active birth • Move around and change positions frequently. This can help you to cope with contractions. If you stay upright gravity will help your baby to descend through your pelvis. • Heat and water may help to ease tension and backache in labour. Apply heat packs or try a shower or bath. • Touching and massaging can reduce muscle tension. Practice with your partner during your pregnancy and find out what you like. • Use music to help distract you. • Some people find complementary therapies helpful. Some complementary therapies, such as acupuncture should only be undertaken by a qualified practitioner. • Eat and drink for energy (unless otherwise advised) Premature labour If you recognise any signs of labour before 37 weeks you should contact your doctor or the Birthing Suites. These include: • any bright bleeding from your vagina • decreased baby movements • regular contractions and abdominal pain • ruptured membranes or ‘breaking of the waters’ (even if you are not in labour). This may occur with a sudden gush or a slow leak. The fluid should be clear or slightly pink but can sometimes be darker in colour. If you think the latter has happened call the Birthing Suites at the Hospital immediately for advice on what to do next. Touching and massaging can reduce muscle tension. Practice with your partner during your pregnancy and find out what you like.
GPH Materntiy Your Journey Book PI499 0216
To see the actual publication please follow the link above