Pain relief in labour - what's on offer

Your options for pain relief in labour – Christine Hill on what you’ll be offered, what’s effective, and when

Breathing techniques and will power don’t determine the length and type of labour you’ll have. It depends much more on the position of your baby. So rather than having set ideas about whether or not you’ll accept pain relief, start out with an open mind. There’s no virtue in suffering, and it’s better to have realistic expectations. Remember that pain is exhausting and whatever else you do, you’ll need to conserve your strength in labour.

When to have pain relief

If you’re having difficulty relaxing between the contractions, it could well be time to accept some pain relief, but discuss this with your midwife and ask her advice. She’ll know how far your cervix has dilated, and this has a bearing on which of the three options for pain relief would be best for you.

As a rule of thumb: If your cervix is 3-7 cms dilated – your best choice is an epidural. If your cervix is 8 cms or more – you may get by on gas and air. 1. Pethidine (not often used)

A pain-relieving drug which is given as an injection in your thigh or buttock muscle by your midwife. It’s best used if you need help during a long latency stage (before you’re 3 cms dilated), when it’s too soon to have an epidural but the contractions are preventing you from sleeping.

How it works Takes 15 minutes to work, and the effects will last between two and four hours The dose may be repeated You’ll feel sleepy and distanced from your pain. Drawbacks Pethidine crosses the placenta, so the baby is a little sedated if he is born within four hours of your injection You won’t be allowed to walk around If you don’t like the effects, you’re stuck with them until the injection wears off.