Health Tip: Manage Pain During Childbirth

Suggestions to ease pain without medication

January 27, 2012 RSS Feed Print

(HealthDay News) -- Pain is a virtual certainty during childbirth, but there are ways to ease the discomfort without medication.

The womenshealth.gov website mentions these no-medication possibilities:

Practicing relaxation and breathing techniques.
Relaxing in a warm shower or bath, or getting a gentle massage.
Receiving hot and cold therapy, including placing a cool washcloth on the forehead or a heating pad on the lower back.
Seeking the care and support of a doula, nurse or loved one.
Trying various positions to get more comfortable, from crouching to walking.
Listening to soothing music.
Using a labor ball.