What was labour like

An epidural involves medicine given by an anesthesiologist through a thin, tube-like catheter that's inserted in the woman's lower back. The amount of medicine can be increased or decreased according to a woman's needs. Very little medicine reaches the baby, so usually there are no effects on the baby from this method of pain relief. Epidurals do have some drawbacks — they can cause a woman's blood pressure to drop and can make it difficult to pee. They can also cause itching, nausea, and headaches in the mother.

The risks to the baby are minimal, but include problems caused by low blood pressure in the mother. These drugs don't relieve pain, but they may help to calm and relax women who are very anxious. Sometimes they are used along with analgesics.

These drugs can have effects on both the mother and baby, and are not often used. They also can make it difficult for women to remember the details of the birth. Discuss the risks of tranquilizers with your doctor. Some women choose to give birth using no medicine at all, relying instead on relaxation techniques and controlled breathing for pain. If you'd like to experience childbirth without pain medicine, discuss this with your health care provider.

You'll want to review your pain control options with the person who'll be delivering your baby. Find out what's available, how effective they're likely to be, and when it's best not to use some medicines. If you want to use pain-control methods other than medicine, make sure your health care provider and the hospital staff know.

You might want to also consider writing a birth plan that makes your preferences clear. Remember, many women make decisions about pain relief that they abandon — often for very good reason — at the last minute. Your ability to endure the pain of childbirth has nothing to do with your worth as a mother. By preparing and educating yourself, you can be ready to decide what pain management works best for you.

Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. Pain During Labor and Delivery Pain during labor is caused by contractions of the muscles of the uterus and by pressure on the cervix. If your waters break before labour starts, call your midwife. Use a sanitary pad not a tampon so your midwife can check the colour of the waters. It's usual to go into labour within 24 hours of the waters breaking. You'll be offered an induction if you do not because, without amniotic fluid, there's an increased risk of infection for your baby.

Until your induction, or if you choose to wait for labour to start naturally, tell your midwife immediately if:. You should take your temperature every 4 hours when you're awake, and tell your midwife if it's raised. A raised temperature is usually above There's no evidence that having a bath or shower after your waters have broken increases your risk of infection, but having sex might. Find out what happens during labour and birth , and what you can do for pain relief in the early stages of labour.

For information and advice you can trust, sign up for weekly Start4Life pregnancy and baby emails. You can find pregnancy and baby apps and tools in the NHS apps library. Page last reviewed: 30 November Next review due: 30 November Signs that labour has begun. Know the signs There are several signs that labour might be starting, including: contractions or tightenings a "show", when the plug of mucus from your cervix entrance to your womb, or uterus comes away backache an urge to go to the toilet, which is caused by your baby's head pressing on your bowel your waters breaking The early latent stage of labour can take some time.

Urgent advice: Call your midwife or maternity unit if:. Important: Coronavirus COVID update If you're well, it's really important you go to all your appointments and scans for the health of you and your baby. Video: How will I know I am in labour?

In this video, a midwife describes the signs that mean labour may be starting. Media last reviewed: 1 November Media review due: 1 November Sometimes increased B. While not everyone experiences B. While annoying, B. They help strengthen your uterine muscles to prep for labour. Tip: Be sure to go to bed at a reasonable hour once you are at 37 weeks. How long: Can last for a few hours to a few days. For many, it starts in the middle of night.

Photo: Running Press. How long: Typically lasts for hours, in the single digits. Tip: This is typically a good time to go to your birthing place , ensure your midwife is at your home, or get an epidural if you are choosing one. Tip: If at any point you feel like something is off, see green or brown in your fluids, or and remember, this is very rare! Check in with your provider. The average for first-time pushers is at least two hours.

Regardless, we are talking a few hours in the single digits, tops. Though you are fully dilated, your contractions may slow down and space out. Emotions: You may feel energized, more aware of your surroundings, or perhaps scared of pushing. Take advantage of this period as much as you can.

Rest up! Body: Remember that pubic bone? That bone is really in the way! Even though it can be a slow process, you are moving two steps forward and one step back until baby makes it past that pubic bone for good. Emotions: Determination and also WTF?! Why is it taking so long?! Get outta there baby!

Body: You made it past the pubic bone!