Wondering which sort of pain relief you might choose, and considering what to put down on your birth plan?
We help you decide by looking at the pros and cons of each method. For more information about each method of pain relief, follow the links below.
Gas and air
Gas and air, or Entonox is 50% oxygen, 50% nitrous oxide. You breathe the gas in through a mouthpiece or mask.
Pros
- You are in control.
- The oxygen is good for your baby.
- The gas doesn’t linger in your system.
Cons
- It’s only a mild form of pain relief.
- May make you feel slightly sick.
Find out more about Entonox (Gas and air).
Pethidine
Injection into your bottom or thigh. Takes about 20 mins to be effective and lasts for two to four hours.
Pros
- May help you relax and rest if labour is long and difficult.
- Some women find it helps ‘distance’ them from the pain.
Cons
- May make you feel dizzy, sick or 'detached' from what's happening.
- May make baby tired and slow to respond.
Epidural
Injection into your lower back numbs your body from the waist down so you don’t feel the contractions. It takes 20 minutes to set up and has an immediate effect.
Pros
- It can mean you feel no pain during labour.
- Very effective form of pain relief in labour.
Cons
- Can increase length of labour.
- May cause sudden fall in blood pressure.
- May cause headache after delivery.
- Assisted delivery more likely.
TENS
A small machine with pads that stick onto your back and stimulate your nerves with small, safe amounts of electric current.
Pros
- Useful for backache during labour.
- You are in control.
- Can be used at home.
- No adverse effects on you or your baby.
Cons
- You may need more pain relief than TENS can provide.
- You need to hire a TENS as few hospitals have them.
Bounty
Bounty
