Pain
During Childbirth
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Bhavani
Shankar Kodali MD,
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When the uterus contracts during
labor, pain travels
from the uterus via the nerves in your spine (back bone
as shown in the figure below) to the brain producing discomfort
as shown in the figure below.
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Click on the
play button
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Each
woman's labor is unique. The amount of pain that you
experience is dependent on many different factors, which
include
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the size of the baby
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the position of the baby
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the dimensions of your pelvis
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the strength of the contraction
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your previous experience and expectations
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many issues not yet understood
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Therefore, it is hard to predict how much pain you will
have until you go through labor. Some women have
tolerable, controllable levels of pain, while others may
benefit from some form of pain relief. Many non-medical
techniques exist that can help the pain during labor,
including breathing and relaxation techniques, warm
showers, massage, supportive nursing care, position
changes (standing, sitting, walking, rocking), and using
a labor ball to name a few. A birthing educator can help
you with more information. However, for some women,
these measures may not be enough.
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