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How painful are labour contractions really? And what will help?

As soon as the calculated date of birth approaches many mothers-to-be become really anxious about the contractions; they are afraid of being in extreme pain. But how painful are the contractions really? And how can you reduce the pain?

It is a fact that women vary in their experience of labour; each particular mother has her own individual perception of “her” pain. Some women describe the pain of the contractions as unbearably hard from the beginning. Others claim that during the first contractions they just feel a pain similar to menstrual cramps; for these the “real” pain first sets in when the expulsive pains start and the baby is already about to be born.

The following indications announce that you are going into labour and are associated with the “hardest” pain:

• The uterine orifice widens; it becomes softer and thinner
• The contractions get longer and more intense; they occur in shorter intervals
• Permanent pain in the lower area of your back; convulsive pains

This might sound unrealisable, but try to stay calm as soon as the labour starts. The following tips and tricks might help to reduce the pain:

• Warmth: take a warm bath or shower; an additional hot-water bottle might also help
• Breathing: concentrate on your breathing, especially on exhalation and pronounce a sound (an ah or oh). Delivery nurses strongly affirm that this is one of the best measures against the increasing pain, as the open mouth causes the uterine orifice to open as well. When your mouth is closed, the uterine orifice is more likely to remain closed.
• Massage: In order to relax you have to get the hurting areas of your back massaged.
• Pelvic movement: Always remain in movement or sit on a stability ball. Not only do the movements reduce pain but they also help the baby move, speeding up the progress of the delivery. Lying in bed is more hindering than helpful, as it decelerates the contractions and thus the delivery process.