Every birth is unique, and the pain that two women feel during birth is different from one another. For this reason the things done to make birth easier vary. However, some basic steps that can be taken make birth easier and more comfortable.
There are different ways of making birth easier. These ways do not remove labour pain completely, but labour pain can be managed better. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taner Usta, specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology, gave important information, saying that the most ideal method for everyone is to identify all the options and to build it according to personal preferences.
IDENTIFYING THE OPTIONS
Expectant mothers can generally feel tense about the birth in the last 3 months of pregnancy. For this reason, discovering these methods before it is too late and putting the most suitable ones into practice will make expectant mothers feel more at ease, so applying these methods is frequently recommended. There are many different methods of making birth easier and of managing it. What matters is that expectant mothers choose the most suitable one among these methods. Relaxation exercises, breathing techniques, walking, receiving support, massage, applying hot and cold compresses to the back area or taking a warm shower are the most relaxing methods.
In pregnancy, unless there is a medical condition preventing the pregnant woman from doing so, “pregnancy pilates” and “pregnancy yoga” are strongly recommended. Both of these activities make an important contribution to breath control. During labour, the birth is completed very successfully when the pregnant woman can push for a long time, that is, when she can use her breath well, while in pregnant women who have not prepared at all the birth process can unfortunately be more difficult. Applying relaxation exercises and breathing techniques in particular makes the birth considerably easier. As the pregnancy advances and approaches its end, the discomforts become more severe. Especially as the space becomes tighter, complaints of pressure increase. If the expectant mother is short, or the baby is heavy, or it is a multiple pregnancy, the discomforts increase even more.
An epidural, spinal or pudendal block is quite successful in controlling the pain during the birth process. The most frequently preferred among these is the epidural block, a regional pain relief method performed during labour after dilatation has occurred.
UNDERSTANDING THE PROS AND CONS
Every pain management option has its own pros and cons. Relaxation and breathing techniques give the person more sense of control but fall short in terms of pain management. Medicines, on the other hand, considerably reduce the cramps and pain experienced. After the use of some medicines, passing urine can become more difficult and a catheter can be placed for this. Pregnancy and birth as a whole are an unpredictable process. Labour pain can be more intense than expected.
Birth is not a test of endurance and for this reason it is entirely natural for expectant mothers to receive help both from those around them and from specialists in managing this process. This help and awareness make the process much easier.