Natural pain relief:
- Using a shower or bath. This will help relax the body and also decrease the risk of tears during the birth.
- Heat packs and cold packs.
- Breathing techniques.
- Making noise - singing and moaning can help.
- Drinking plenty of liquid and eating ice chips.
- Different positions including squatting, kneeling and walking.
- Massage from your birth partner.
Medical pain relief:
- Pethidine - a needle that helps relieve the pain but some women find it does nothing more than induce nausea.
- Epidural - a needle is used to give an anaesthetic injection which numbs the woman's abdomen.
- Gas and air - breathing this will help calm the recipient and relieve pain.
