LABOR PAIN MANAGEMENT

Abstract

C hildbirth is one of the most painful experiences a woman is likely to encounter in her lifetime. Fortunately, analgesic techniques exist that reduce or ameliorate labor pain. Labor is characterized by regular, painful uterine contractions that increase in frequency and intensity and are associated with progressive cervical effacement and dilatation. Pain of the first stage of labor is due to uterine contractions and stretching of the cervix. It is cramping and visceral in nature, diffuse and poorly localized. Second stage labor: During the late first and second stage of labor, somatic pain predominates, as a result of distension and traction on the pelvic structures, the pelvic floor and the perineum and is carried via the pudendal nerve through the anterior rami of S2 through S4. It is sharp and well localized. There are different methods for labor analgesia those methods are Non pharmacological and pharmacological methods. The non-pharmacologic approach to pain management includes a wide variety of techniques that address not suffering only the physical sensations of pain, but also attempt to prevent by enhancing the psycho-emotional and spiritual components of care. The advantages of non-pharmacological techniques include their relative ease of administration, easy availability and minimal side-effects; however, there is little evidence to support the efficacy of many of these techniques, and some may be costly and time consuming. Non-pharmacological methods used in pain management have been examined below in three groups such as peripheral therapies (physical agents/skin stimulation methods) which are very effective in decreasing labor pain for example, TENS (transcutaneous Electrical nerve Stimulation), hot and cold treatment and acupuncture, Cognitive-behavioral therapies like continuous labor support, Relaxation respiration techniques and Meditation, and other therapies like Aromatherapy and Musical therapy.