Pain Relief in Labour
Labour is a powerful and individual experience, and how it feels can vary from person to person and from one birth to another.
There are many different ways to manage the sensations of labour - from natural, non-medical techniques to medical options. Some people choose to use a combination of approaches, while others prefer to keep their options open and decide in the moment.
This page focuses on a range of commonly used pain relief options, helping you understand how they work so you can make informed choices that feel right for you.
Your options
Pain relief in labour can broadly be divided into:
• Non-medical options – such as movement, water, breathing techniques and TENS
• Medical options – such as gas and air and opioid medications (e.g. pethidine or diamorphine)
Each option has its own benefits and considerations, and what feels right will depend on your preferences, your labour and your environment.
A flexible approach
It can be helpful to think about pain relief as a spectrum of support, rather than a fixed plan.
You might begin with simple techniques like movement or water, and choose to add other options as labour progresses - or you may decide in advance that you would like certain types of pain relief available.
There is no right or wrong approach - the most important thing is that you feel informed, supported and able to make choices in the moment.
Resources
Pain Relief in Labour Guide