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Pain And Delivery
 
But Will It Hurt? Pain and Delivery

As the big day approaches, you’re probably worried about the pain associated with delivering a baby. While there’s no such thing as a painless delivery, modern technology has made birthing a baby even easier than before. Of course, how much pain you feel will depend on your pain threshold and other factors. You can take the edge off labor pains with breathing and relaxation techniques and pain medications as prescribed by your doctor.

Natural Techniques 
The mind is a powerful thing, and you can help to control your pain by using breathing and relaxation techniques. Proper breathing can help relax you. If you took childbirth classes, they probably reviewed methods of breathing through contractions. If you haven’t taken classes, the nurses at the hospital will give you tips to help you breathe properly



Are Pain Medications Safe? 
You may be worried if you accept pain medication, your birth experience and the welfare of the baby will be affected. The medications of today are much improved over what our mothers and grandmothers were given during birth. Today, pain relief serves to take the edge off the pain while allowing the mom to be totally functional and in control. You may be offered pain relief in pill form, through IV or in an epidural.

But I’m Having A ‘Natural’ Delivery 
Some women are against having pain medication for many different reasons, and that’s commendable. Keep in mind, though, you may get mid-way through labor and discover it’s too much for you to bear. Some women find it’s not that the pain is so intense, but that it is repetitive and lasts for so many hours, especially with the first child. Give yourself permission to ask for help and pain relief if you need it. Changing your mind mid-delivery doesn’t make you a failure—it means your smart enough to know what’s right for you and your baby.

What is an Epidural? 
According to the American Pregnancy Association, over 50% of women receive an epidural during active labor. During an epidural, medication is administered through a thin tube that is inserted into a space in the spine. The medication goes directly to the nerves in the pelvic region to block the pain of contractions. Most women feel a little pinch and pressure as the epidural tube is inserted. Epidural advancements now allow moms to feel numb in all the right areas but can still feel to push the baby out.

Your labor isn’t going to be effortless, but with breathing and relaxation techniques and pain medication, you should be able to manage quite nicely. Just keep in mind at the end of it all, you’ll have a beautiful baby boy or girl to hold!

PREGNANCY  
General Introduction to Pregnancy
Your Changing Body + Pregnancy
Your Baby’s Development
Potential Pregnancy Complications
Labor and Delivery
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PARENTING  
General Introduction to Parenting
Child Nutrition
Childcare and Education
Sleep in the Early Years
Baby Milestones
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