Pain in Labour and Birth

The anticipation or the ‘expectation’ of pain can increase anxiety levels in a person and therefore increase the intensity of how they perceive the pain when it comes. For a woman who is fearful and anxious about labour, the need for pain relief can be higher.

It has also been suggested that women who feel they are in control of decisions about what is happening to them in labour, will perceive their pain as less intense and less threatening, as well feel more positive about the labour experience after the birth.Labour pain differs from other kinds of pain in ways that make coping easier.

It is not a symptom of injury or illness: When pain signals that something is wrong, anxiety can increase painful sensations. Labour pain, however, is simply a sign that your body is working hard and well.
It is rhythmic: Contractions last no longer than a minute or so and come in a regular pattern with one to several (usually) pain-free minutes in between them. This means you can predict and prepare for each contraction and rest between them.
It intensifies gradually over time: Contractions almost always start off mild and gradually grow longer, stronger, and closer together, thus allowing you time to adapt.

It is self-limiting: Labour rarely takes more than 24 hours.

A woman’s body is already organized and finely tuned to do this work. But it is important that a woman and their caregivers understand how to work with – and avoid disrupting – her body’s inborn knowledge, drive, and direction for giving birth and caring for her baby.