Posts Tagged ‘pethidine’

How Soon Can I Go Home with My Baby? FAQ
I just want to go home
I hate the thought of being in hospital for long - how soon can I go home with my baby?
In most maternity units, there is a degree of flexibility as to how long you remain in hospital after
the birth If you wish to stay for as brief a period as possible, talk to your midwife about this. In
the past, postnatal stays tended to be longer - in 1997-98, the average stay in England was 2.2 days,
and was 5.5 days in 1981 Nowadays, the minimum length of time in hospital is about six hours and many
mothers just stay overnight to rest and gain some confidence. In some areas, you can move to a doctor’s
unit or birthing centre. To help make the transition home as smooth as possible plan your return,
making sure you have plenty of support in place.
How long you stay in hospital will largely depend on your type of delivery If you have a vaginal
delivery, you should be able to return home fairly soon, but a Caesarean may mean you need to stay in
for about three days Also, if your baby is born early, or is unwell, or struggling to feed or maintain
his temperature, then you will be advised to stay in hospital until your baby is ready When babies are
premature, mothers may have to leave them in the special care unit and visit regularly
Will I have any privacy in hospital? I don’t want to be on a ward.
There is usually an attempt to make maternity wards as cheerful as possible, although the reality is
they are often busy and lacking privacy. Your delivery room is likely to be a single room and may have
ensuite facilities. Postnatal ward facilities vary tremendously in different locations: there may be
single rooms, small rooms, or traditional Nightingale wards with a corridor of beds Each bed will have
curtains to pull around it for extra privacy, and bathroom facilities can vary.
Where will my baby sleep when we’re in the hospital?
Mothers and babies usually remain together for 24 hours a day You should only be separated from your
baby if there is a medical reason for this, for example your baby needs special care, and you should be
fully informed before agreeing to this. Your baby will usually sleep in a cot attached to the bed or
next to it This is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF who run a programme
called The Baby Friendly Initiative This works with healthcare systems to ensure a high standard of
care for mothers and babies, and many maternity units are guided by their advice.
My friend’s baby slept almost continuously for the first day or so. Is this normal?
The birth process is tiring for the baby as well as the mother and so it is not unusual for the first
24 hours to be fairly quiet, as your baby rests after the birth Babies are often very alert and ready
for a feed immediately after the birth, but then have a long sleep. Also, if you had drugs such as
pethidine or diamorphine, during labour: these can linger in the baby’s system and contribute to the
drowsiness. If your baby does sleep a lot at first, make the most of the opportunity to rest while
still offering regular feeds — your midwife will advise you. After the first 24 hours, you may still
find that your baby is feeding erratically, maybe every hour for five hours, and then having a
four-hour sleep. Rest assured there is no set pattern in the early days; your baby should feed when she
wants to and you shouldn’t expect any routine to emerge at this stage.
Will the hospital help me with the everyday care of my baby if I’m having problems?
While -you are in hospital there will be midwives and maternity support workers to help you They have
plenty of advice and information to offer so don’t be afraid to ask about anything that is worrying
you, such as specific questions about your baby, or any aspects of baby care (see below). However do
bear in mind that maternity units tend to be extremely
busy and this, coupled with the fact that presently there is a shortage of midwives nationwide, means
you may have to be patient and prepared to wait a while at times before someone is free to help you
Before you go home you will also be given contact numbers in case you need help or advice in between
your postnatal checks.
Once you are home, your community midwife and your health visitor will be available to offer advice and
support They will also be able to give you details of local mother and baby groups, and postnatal
drop-in clinics, all of which offer support and information for new mums and their families and give
you the chance to meet other mums.
Do we need a car seat straight away or can I hold my baby in the car?
If you intend to take your baby home in the car, it is a legal requirement for them to travel in a car
seat appropriate for their age. Indeed, it is illegal for children to travel in a car without a
correctly fitting and fitted car or booster seat until they are over
Getting advice in hospital
Although the arrival of your baby is a time of incredible excitement, it can also seem overwhelming and
you may feel daunted by the enormous task of looking after and meeting the needs of this tiny new baby.
One of the benefits of your stay in hospital, as well as recovering from the birth, is to help you feel
confident in the care of your baby, There are several aspects of baby care and feeding that the
hospital midwives can help with.
* Staff can help you to establish breastfeeding by
guiding you on technique. Some hospitals have a    BATHING HELP: dedicated breastfeeding counsellor on
site.
* The midwives can help you with everyday care by
demonstrating topping and tailing, bathing techniques,
changing a nappy, and dressing and undressing.
Small babies and children need the protection that baby seats and child seats are designed to provide.
So, yes, you do need to get your car seat ready before the birth to take your baby home from the
hospital.
I’m going to be on my own when I go home and I’m worried I won’t manage.
It’s only natural to feel anxious about your new responsibilities when you arrive home with your baby
Being a single parent is increasingly common so don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your midwife and
health visitor will visit you to help with any baby-care problems and you will be given contact
telephone numbers before your discharge from hospital in case you experience problems or need advice in
between postnatal visits and checks
When you are on your own, it’s a good idea to arrange for a group of reliable friends or family members
who are willing to assist you with babysitting, morale boosting, and provide general all-round back-up
in the early days. Over time you
can establish a network of other single parents in your area with whom you can share your problems and
solutions. Also, ask your midwife or health visitor for contact details of local postnatal groups and
organizations that support single parents.
My mum is coming to stay with me but I don’t want her to take over. How should I approach this?
Overbearing mothers and mothers-in-law can be a problem, however well-intentioned they are. You will
find it’s not just mothers who insist on issuing lots of advice and information, but friends and other
relatives can be just as vocal Although this advice is often useful, some of it may be old-fashioned or
simply conflict with -your own ideas on how to care for your baby
Even though -you may be feeling vulnerable after the birth, practise being clear and assertive about
the way in which you want to do things and make sure that people understand and respect your views and
that your partner supports you in this too. It may help to pass on leaflets or books that you have read
so your mother can see how things have changed since she brought up her children, and what advice you
are following. You could suggest other ways in which she could help, such as shopping, cooking, and
cleaning, so that you are left with the care of your baby Most mums just want to help in some way, so
it’s up to you to channel her enthusiasm
Will I get any sleep at all in the early days?
You will get sleep but whether it is of the same quantity and quality that you are used to is
questionable. Although young babies need a lot more sleep than adults, approximately 16 hours each day,
they do not take all of this sleep in one long stretch as they need to wake up for frequent small feeds
Up to the age of three months, babies have ‘’sleep—wake” cycles throughout the day with longer spells
of sleep at night
The length of these cycles varies from baby to
baby, but on average your baby will sleep about two hours at a time in the day, and four to six hours
at night. All babies wake up a number of times throughout the night. The length of time your baby
sleeps for during the night may also be affected by how she is fed. Several studies suggest that
breastfed babies take longer than formula-fed babies to develop a pattern of sleeping through the
night. This is because breast milk is easier to digest than formula milk, so babies get hungry more
quickly and wake more often in the night Most babies are physically capable of sleeping through the
night from the age of six months.
Should my baby be in her own room or in with us and, if so, for how long?
In the early days, when your baby is fed frequently, often every two to three hours, you may find it
more convenient to have her closer to you. UNICEF recommends that babies share their mother’s room for
the first six months of life as this helps to sustain breastfeeding and is also thought to help protect
babies against cot death (see p.276).
As -your baby grows and develops, her needs and sleeping patterns will change One of the main changes
is that your baby will start to sleep longer between feeds at night and often this is the stage that
many parents decide is a good time to move their baby into their own room. You may also find that, if
your baby is a light sleeper, she may sleep better in her own room as she is less likely to be
disturbed by you and your partner
I’m a really deep sleeper and I’m worried that I won’t hear my baby crying. Is this likely?
This is a common worry for many new parents,
but you should rest assured that it is highly unlikely you will sleep through your baby crying Many new
parents find that they do not sleep as deeply following the birth of their baby, which may be partly an
unconscious worry about sleeping too deeply and not attending to their baby’s needs Having your baby
sleep in the same room as you to begin with and using a baby monitor later if your baby moves into her
own room will help you to feel confident about hearing your baby at night It’s a good idea to try to
catch up on some sleep during the day-time and take a nap while your baby is sleeping, as this will
mean that you are not totally exhausted when you go to bed at night. You should also learn to trust the
greatest prompt of all, your natural inbuilt maternal instincts!
Who can I turn to if I have problems with breastfeeding?
Although breastfeeding comes naturally to some mums, for many others it can prove surprisingly
difficult. Initially you will have midwives and maternity care assistants on hand in the hospital to
assist you with breastfeeding. Once you return home, your community midwife and health visitor can
continue to advise you, but obviously they will not be available 24 hours a day If you continue to have
problems with breastfeeding, there are many helplines and local support groups available for which your
hospital, doctor’s surgery, and health centre should have contact details. Also, there are plenty of
Internet sites that have forums, which are useful for discussing problems and comparing experiences.
Some midwives and health visitors run local drop-in breastfeeding sessions, and some breastfeeding
groups meet informally in cafes, so enquire whether there are any of these groups locally The National
Childbirth Trust (NCT) (see p 310) also has a national network of trained breastfeeding counsellors and
a helpline for you to call.

Leaving hospital

Each hospital varies, but generally, before being discharged from the hospital, several checks take
place. *You will be examined by a midwife or doctor to check that your uterus is starting to return to
its pre-pregnancy size.
* If you had stitches, these will be checked to see if they are healing properly.
*Your baby will undergo various newborn checks (see p.220) and will need to be signed off by a
paediatrician.
* If you need to take any medication home, this will be dispensed and you will be told how to arrange
your postnatal check.

First days at home
Regardless of whether or not this is your first baby, on your return home you are likely to be both
physically and mentally exhausted. If this is your first baby, although the transition to motherhood is
exciting, it can be daunting and, once home, you may be surprised at how big an adjustment this is.
While some families want to share their joy with family and friends as soon as possible, others decide
to have some quiet time together at first to get to know the new arrival and get used to their new
roles Try to put worries about housework and clearing up to the back of your mind – these will keep
Hormonal changes may mean that you feel quite low and weepy about three days after the birth, known as
the ”baby blues” (see p.281). Getting as much rest as possible will help you to recuperate and begin
to feel normal once more.
I don’t want to go home too soon - can I stay in hospital if I want to?
When you leave hospital is something that you will agree with the hospital midwives and doctors, and it
will be dependent on your particular needs and circumstances. Although you obviously can’t remain in
hospital indefinitely, generally you won’t be transferred home until you feel ready to return The
midwife will ensure that you are confident feeding -your baby, whether this be breastfeeding or
bottlefeeding and that you are confident providing everyday care for your baby, which is good
preparation for returning home.
When you go home, your care will be transferred back to the community midwife, so you will continue to
receive support, information, and advice as necessary Also, planning in advance support for when you
return home may help you to feel more confident about leaving the hospital As well as support from your
partner, try to enlist the help of family, friends, and close neighbours to help you cope in the first
few weeks after the birth.

BEING TOGETHER:
We had so many visitors in hospital last time it was exhausting. Can I stop this?
Many people seem to believe that if you are in hospital then they can visit whenever they want to,
whereas most people, even close family. wouldn’t just turn up on your doorstep unannounced if you were
at home with your baby If you know in advance how you will feel then you really need to be assertive
this time and let people know your wishes It is possible to do this in a diplomatic way without
offending people by simply telling friends and maybe family too that you would prefer to have some
quiet time with your partner and children during the first few days to recuperate and get to know your
new baby. Most people will understand this sentiment and will be more than happy to wait for a few days
until you are feeling ready to see them.
If you are discharged fairly early from hospital
it may be easier to control the flow of visitors as you will be able to dictate visiting on your own
terms. You can then take the time that you need to settle down to a new family life.

I’m over my due date

What is happening to my baby after 40 weeks?
In many pregnancies, there are no changes to your baby’s activities after 40 weeks and his movement patterns will be the same, although your baby’s head will probably move lower into your pelvis as he gets ready for labour, resulting in a lighter feeling under your ribs and a heavier feeling down in the pelvic area. In other pregnancies, mothers may notice a slowing down of movements as the pregnancy progresses. The placenta, which feeds the baby, operates on a lower efficiency after about 38 weeks, and certainly after 41 weeks This means that your baby’s growth tends to slow down the further your pregnancy goes. As it is not possible to accurately predict whether or not the placenta will continue to function well, most hospitals have an induction policy to avoid the risk of distress to the baby, which increases the longer the pregnancy continues.
What happens if you go over your due date?
This varies slightly from area to area, however you would normally be offered an induction of labour between 41 and 42 weeks of pregnancy, which means that your labour will be started off artificially (see opposite). Different hospitals have their own criteria for how long past your due date they will wait before suggesting an induction of labour, but this is usually between 10 and 14 days after your expected date of delivery (EDD).
If an induction is considered, your doctor or midwife should discuss all your options with you before any decision is reached. Although you are within your rights to decline induction, you should make sure that you are fully aware of the reasons why it has been suggested so that you can make an informed decision.
I have a long menstrual cycle. I don’t think I’m as overdue as they say. Can nature take its course?
The ”due date” is calculated from the first day of your last period, and assumes you have an average 28-day menstrual cycle. However, if you have, for example a 35-day cycle, your due date would be a week later If this is the case, an ultrasound scan during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy would have measured the growth of the fetus and this would have given you a due date that reflected your menstrual cycle more accurately.
Current guidelines recommend inducing labour between 41 and 42 weeks of pregnancy if it has not begun on its own. If you choose not to be induced, you will be monitored regularly.
What is a “membrane sweep” and could I have this instead of being induced?
Prior to an induction of labour, at 41-plus weeks of pregnancy, it is recommended that all women are offered a membrane stretch and sweep to assess the readiness of the cervix for labour. A membrane sweep involves your midwife or doctor placing a finger just inside your cervix and making a circular, sweeping movement to separate the membranes from the cervix. The aim of this is to stimulate the release of hormones that may start labour contractions. Although this is likely to be an uncomfortable procedure, it should not cause you actual pain; you may also experience a mucus/bloodstained ‘’show” -like a discharge - following this, which is quite normal (see p.167).
Membrane sweeps have been shown to increase the chance of labour starting naturally within the next 48 hours and therefore reduce the need for other methods of induction.
I don’t like the sound of the amniotic hook. What exactly is this?
An amniotic hook is a long thin piece of plastic with a hook shape at one end. This is used to make a hole in the membranes surrounding your baby to release the amniotic fluid in an attempt to kickstart labour. The procedure, known as ”breaking the waters”, amniotomy, or ARM (artificial rupture of the membranes), is as uncomfortable as an internal examination, and isn’t usually painful, although some women do need some form of pain relief, such as gas and air, during the procedure. An amniotomy is carried out by the midwife or doctor, who will carefully guide the hooked end of the instrument into the vaginal canal with his or her fingers He or she will then press the end against the membranes to pierce them, which can help to stimulate contractions and in turn start labour.
In some cases, contractions become established quite quickly after this procedure. If this is not the case, then you will need to remain in hospital and be induced with an oxytocin drip (see p. 191)
Fetal monitoring in labour
During labour in hospital, you may spend some time attached to a cardiotocograph (CTG) machine This monitors your contractions and your baby’s heartbeat to check whether your baby is showing any signs of distress in labour Two straps are placed around your waist. One records the movement of your uterine muscle and the other measures your baby’s heart rate. The machine you are attached to produces a printout of the two readings so that the midwife or doctor can review the progress of you and your baby. If your labour is straightforward and the CTG readings show no problems, then you can be unstrapped and disconnected from the machine so that you are free to move around. Your midwife may then want to monitor you and the baby again at regular intervals throughout labour.
Can an amniotic hook harm my baby?
An amniotic hook, which is rather like a long crochet hook used to tear a little hole in the amniotic membrane surrounding the baby and the amniotic fluid, is actually fairly blunt and shouldn’t come into contact with your baby at all, so there isn’t really any risk that he could be harmed
Why do I need to be induced?
The main reason for induction of labour is when your pregnancy continues past your EDD, or estimated delivery date, as after this stage the efficiency of your placenta can decline, which can put the baby at risk.
Can I refuse an induction of labour?
You have a right to say no to any intervention
and when induction is considered, your doctor or midwife should discuss all your options before any decision is reached. However, if you wish to delay induction beyond 42 weeks, then it may be suggested that you attend the maternity unit for regular monitoring to check on your baby’s and your own health which may include a Doppler ultrasound to check the blood flow in the placenta You will also be offered an ultrasound scan to check on the amount of water surrounding your baby, as this can be a good indicator of how efficiently the placenta is working and the overall wellbeing of your baby
I’m scared about sudden full-on contractions after induction. Will it be more painful?
Some women do report that an induced labour is more painful than a spontaneous labour. This may be because induced labours can be longer, although this is not always the case. In a spontaneous labour, the body responds to the gradual onset of contractions with the release of natural painkillers called endorphins. In the case of induction, where the onset may be more sudden the body has less of a chance to do this However, some women do still get a gradual build-up of contractions after induction.
It is quite natural to be scared of pain, but -you may find it a help to be prepared mentally and physically by planning which pain relief options you are going to consider and ensuring that your birthing partner knows your plans so that he or she can give you plenty of support Many women opt for ”low-tech” forms of pain relief, such as TENS, massage, being active and changing position, and aromatherapy, in early labour, and these are all options with an induced labour. If you find these
are not enough, you can try gas and air, drugs such as pethidine, and even consider an epidural. If you know in advance how you are going to cope then you will be better able to deal with the pain
Will I need to be monitored continuously throughout labour if I’m induced?
If a syntocinon (hormone) drip is used to stimulate the contractions then, yes, continuous monitoring
of your baby’s heart rate is normally recommended. This is so the midwife and doctor can ensure that the
contractions are not too close together and that your baby is coping with the contractions and not becoming distressed. During the early stages of induction you will be monitored before, during, and following induction procedures Then intermittent monitoring of your baby’s heart rate will take place If you do need continuous monitoring, many units now have “wireless” monitors, which means that you are not physically attached to the machine and can still move around during labour.
Can my partner be present throughout?
Yes, -your partner can be with you throughout your induction and labour, and his continued support is likely to have a positive impact on your wellbeing and help your ability to cope with the pain and stress of labour. Ensure that your partner is aware of your birth plan too (see p.149) so he can support you in any decisions you need to make A lot of units allow up to two birthing partners, which can be a good idea if things are going to be long and drawn out.
What if I don’t go into labour after the induction?
Very rarely, women will experience an unsuccessful induction. especially if their cervix is unfavourable, meaning that it has failed to soften and dilate. This may ultimately result in a Caesarean section being performed As always, discuss the options with your midwife or doctor so that you are fully informed about the procedures being offered.

Types of induction
When your baby is overdue
Induction, when labour is started artificially, may be necessary for health reasons (your health or your baby’s) or if you are over your due date. If the baby’s health is at risk, your obstetrician may consider it better for your baby to be born rather than stay m your womb. For instance, a scan may show that your placenta is not working properly and your baby not growing - in this case it would be better for your baby to be born and fed orally
How will I be induced? There are several methods that can be used to induce labour. To start with, your cervix needs to ripen (soften) and begin to dilate (see p.181) You can be given gel or pessaries of prostaglandin for this to happen These are placed at the top of your vagina so that the drug can work on your cervix. Most units keep you in hospital after this, as the midwives will be regularly recording the baby’s heartbeat on
the cardictocograph machine (CTC) to ensure that you and your baby are coping with the induction drugs Occasionally the cervix does not ripen; if this happens, you may be given a second gel or pessary in six hours.
What happens next? If the gel still does not work, the midwife or doctor will break the bag of waters around the baby (artificial rupture of membranes, or ARM), which may cause discomfort. If you still don’t have contractions, a drip will be inserted into your arm and a synthetic hormone, syntocinon, is given to start contractions. Your baby’s heartbeat will be monitored while you are on the drip, as there is a risk that you may contract too much and the heartbeat be affected. Some women find this type of labour more painful and may need more analgesia, such as an epidural. If none of these works, you will be offered a Caesarean.

LABOUR AND BIRTH
It’s all your fault, stop the pain!
choices for pain relief
What is the best form of pain relief in labour?
As each woman and labour is very different, it is difficult to say which is the ”best” form of pain relief. This will also depend on an individual’s coping mechanisms and pain threshold. There are many different types of pain relief (see p 174) including alternative therapies such as aromatherapy acupuncture, homeopathic kits, reflexology and hynobirthing (using self-hypnosis to reach a state of deep relaxation); natural methods, such as water, massage, TENS, and the positions you adopt; and drugs, such as gas and air and pethidine, and epidural. Your midwife will talk to you about the different choices available and the advantages and disadvantages of each one.
Last time I made a real idiot of myself. I don’t want to lose control again - what do you advise?
The best advice is to know your options, have an open mind, and be guided by labour and how you are feeling. Being positive and having appropriate support can not only result in a good experience, but can reduce your preception of the pain, and feeling empowered helps you to stay in control
Are relaxation and childbirth classes helpful?
Relaxation and breathing techniques taught in antenatal chidbirth classes are extremely useful when used together and at the correct times in labour (see p.176). This, combined with working with your partner and the midwife, can help to make the pain more bearable and thus the birth experience more pleasurable. It is worth pointing out that people have different pain thresholds and relaxation and breathing techniques alone may not be enough to help you cope with the pain of labour, especially as
labour advances. Practising breathing and relaxation techniques before labour begins increases the benefit so classes are helpful.
Can moving around during labour help with the pain?
Providing the labour is straightforward, it does
seem to be the case that being as active as possible can help the progress of labour. Not only does this help with the pain, but it can also encourage more effective contractions so that labour is faster As the labour advances, it may be difficult to get into a position that is comfortable, and often women move around to try to find the best one. Favoured positions are standing, kneeling, or squatting, and rocking the pelvis, either on a birthing ball with your legs astride or leaning onto the bed or into the wall
Being prepared
practical and mental preparation for labour
Inevitably, labour will involve a degree of pain. Although this can be a frightening prospect, accepting this and thinking in advance about how you might deal with the pain may help you to cope better when the time comes. * Be as informed as possible about pain-relief options to help you make choices you are happy with in labour, Find out if you need to do anything in advance, such as inform staff if you want a water birth. * Try to think about the final outcome of labour and view the pain as part of the process that brings you closer to your baby.
How can a birthing ball help during labour?
Using a birthing ball during labour has the advantage of opening up the pelvis to allow the baby to move down more easily You can take your own birthing ball into hospital, and this may be advisable as supplies may be limited.
What is a TENS machine and how do they work?
TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) works by stimulating the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and also by blocking some of the pain pathways Electrodes placed on
your back or abdomen are attached to a unit that fires electrical impulses when a button is pressed, blocking pain pathways The strength and frequency of the current can be altered according to your needs. This is a natural form of pain relief that requires no drugs and is a good way to involve your partner, who can position electrodes.
The machines will produce a tingly sensation,
but this does not hurt. Some people do not like the sensation, while for others it works very well, so it’s a good idea to hire a machine before labour to see if this form of pain relief suits you.
The advantages of TENS are that you are in control of your pain relief and are free to move around while you are using it. Check in advance whether the unit supplies TENS, or whether you need to hire one before going to hospital
Will I be able to use my TENS machine at the same time as other types of pain relief?
TENS can be used with pethidine or diamorphine and gas and air, but not with water (because it is electrical) or with an epidural (because of the position of the electrodes on your back).
My midwife says that I can have my baby at home, but what pain relief will I be able to have?
There are a variety of, mainly natural forms of pain relief that you can use in your own home. Alternative therapies, such as aromatherapy, homeopathic kits,reflexology. and acupuncture can all be used, as long as an appropriately trained person is providing them. Many women having home births opt for warm water. either in the bath or in a hired pool, as this is an effective form of pain relief. The midwife can also offer gas and air and pethidine as alternatives, if natural forms of pain relief are not working.
However, you may find that just by having your baby at home, you are less likely to need much pain relief. This is because evidence suggests that women who stay at home for as long as possible during tabour, or for the whole of their labour, have a more positive experience, which includes needing less pain relief. By adopting the correct positions, using massage, and breathing and relaxation techniques, you may find that you limit the amount of medical pain relief you need.
How an epidural works
An epidural is an injection into your back that numbs your body so that you are unable to feel the contractions. For about 90 per cent of women it completely blocks the pain. Epidurals work by blocking pain nerves as they enter the spinal cord Setting up an epidural is a medical procedure that can only be done by an anaesthetist. A local anaesthetic is injected to numb the area of the lower back before the procedure is carried out. A special needle is then carefully inserted into the space near to where the nerves enter the spinal cord. A fine tube is pushed carefully through the needle and left in place so that drugs can be run through it The procedure usually takes around 20-30 minutes, and it takes approximately 15-20 minutes for the epidural to start working effectively.
HOW THE EPIDURAL IS INSERTED:
Will I be able to cope through all the stages of labour using breathing techniques alone?
Relaxation and breathing techniques are extremely useful when used together and used at the correct times. It is common for women to breathe short, rapid breaths at the strongest part of the contraction. Studies show that this can cause a panic-type response in your body that can increase tension and heighten the pain. Learning to “sigh out slowly’ (SOS) and keeping your shoulders down can help you in labour, if you have practised during pregnancy, At the end of tabour, when it is necessary to control the head as it delivers, the midwife will ask you to pant or blow. This is two short breaths out followed by a longer breath out. Combining breathing techniques with working with your partner and the
midwife can help to make the pain more bearable and thus the birth experience more pleasurable. It is worth pointing out that people have different pain thresholds, and breathing alone may not be enough, especially as labour advances.
Can a water birth help with pain?
It is well documented that water can help with labour pains (see p 156). The heat of the water reduces muscle spasms, and the buoyancy of the water relieves pressure on the pelvis, which lessens the overall pain experienced The water is kept around body temperature by topping up with warm water and needs to be covering your ”bump” to be effective. Studies have shown that it can reduce the length of labours and the risk of tearing. Babies can be born completely under water so that they do not gasp until they hit the cold air. Most hospitals allow you to use gas and air in a pool as an additional form of pain relief.
I want to remember everything about the birth - how can I achieve this?
Probably the most effective way to remember as much as you can about your labour and the birth of your baby is to try to remain as healthy and rested as possible prior to the start of your labour, which will give you the best chance of staying strong and clearheaded during labour Feeling strong and having plenty of energy may also help you to remain upright and active during the course of your labour, reducing the need for opioids, such as pethidine, which can create a mild state of amnesia, meaning that you may have some difficulty remembering the finer details of the birth It’s also helpful to have a partner or close friend with you throughout your labour so that they too can help fill in any blanks later, and photographs and videos are good prompts If you do find after the birth that there are parts you can’t remember, you could ask your midwife to let you see your birth notes Or you could try to keep a birth journal between contractions!
I want an epidural but I’m afraid about having one -should I be worried?
Epidurals work by blocking pain nerves as they enter the spinal cord (see opposite). The doctor performing the procedure will be very experienced as it is a very small area they need to aim for. You need to sit very still in the position demonstrated to avoid any problems. There is a slight chance that if the needle goes in too far, it can cause a leak of fluid causing a aural tap”, which can result in a severe headache Other fears include future backache, which may be prevented by changing your position frequently in labour There is a very small risk (although this is highly unlikely) that damage is caused to the nerves.
I’m scared to death about going into labour - will I get an epidural?
The availability of epidurals will depend on each hospital It is best to ask your midwife what the procedure is at the hospital you are booked at If you think in advance that you would like an epidural, or decide in labour that you would like one, let the midwife know as soon as possible so that she can contact the anaesthetist and arrange this.
Will having an epidural slow down my labour?
As epidurals numb your feelings, this can make it hard to know when to push As a result, it may slow the labour or increase the risk of a forceps
or ventouse delivery slightly However, if this occurs the midwife or doctor will gently lay a hand on -your abdomen and will be able to feel as soon as a new contraction begins in your uterus. This will be a
sign to them to encourage you to actively push, even though you do not feel the sensation of the actual contraction due to the epidural anaesthesia. Following the advice of the midwife in this way may reduce the need for an assisted delivery, as pushing with a contraction is safer and more effective in terms of easing your baby through the birth canal.
I’m very keen to stay active in labour - can I do this if I have an epidural?
One of the side effects of an epidural is that your legs may feel numb and unable to hold your weight, which can restrict your movements. Some maternity units do offer “mobile” epidurals. These work in the same way as a standard epidural, but you are given a lower dose of the analgesic drug. This means that you are unable to feel the pain of the contractions, but the nerves controlling your legs, abdomen, and bladder are relatively unaffected so you are still able to remain mobile. This leaves you free to move around and be upright during labour and can also mean that you do not need to have a catheter inserted to empty your bladder. A mobile epidural can also increase the likelihood of a vaginal delivery, as being able to move around will assist the progress of labour, and being less numb means that you will be able to push more instinctively during labour contractions You may want to check in advance with your midwife whether your local maternity unit provides this facility
I’ve heard that pethidine can make you feel sick, and the baby drowsy after birth. Is this true?
Pethidine is from the family of drugs called opiates and is the most commonly used drug during labour. It is usually given by injection and its side effects include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or drowsiness; it can also delay the baby’s breathing.
To combat the nausea and vomiting, an anti-sickness drug is usually given with pethidine If the baby’s breathing is noticeably affected, an antidote injection is sometimes given to reverse the effects of the pethidine, although this is not usually necessary and would only be given if the baby didn’t respond well to other types of stimulus, such as gently rubbing the baby’s back with a warm towel, or gently stimulating and rubbing the feet of a baby, which can be enough to make him inhale. Your baby’s ability to breastfeed can be affected if he is drowsy, and midwives are now encouraged to
provide extra support to mothers choosing to breastfeed if they have had pethidine during labour in an attempt to overcome this side effect.
When is it best to start using gas and air?
Gas and air, or Entonox, is a combination of 50 per cent oxygen and 50 per cent nitrous oxide (laughing gas). It is widely available in maternity units and can be used in home births. This method of pain relief works by reducing the pain messages that the brain receives. It starts to take effect within 20 seconds, so it is advisable to time your intake of gas and air with your contractions, so that you start taking it just before or at the beginning of a contraction to get the maximum benefit, at around 45-50 seconds.
Gas and air can be used from the onset of your labour. However, some women report that they feel slightly drowsy and light-headed and therefore out of
Pethidine and diamorphine
Opiate drugs used for pain relief during labour
These drugs are useful in the early stages of labour, helping you to relax and deal with the pain, and pethidine in particular is widely used. They can only be administered in the form of an injection by a midwife or doctor, usually in the hospital or a maternity unit. As with much pain relief, these drugs have advantages and disadvantages.
* Pethidine has a sedative effect, relaxing the muscles of the uterus, and is especially useful if you are feeling anxious or experiencing a long labour as it helps you to rest.
* Both drugs can make you feel nauseous and they can enter the baby’s system. If given too close to the time of delivery, they can make the baby sleepy and can even cause problems with the baby’s breathing.
control while taking gas and air and therefore you may find that you want to stop taking it while you are pushing if it is distracting you too much and stopping you focusing on the contractions. Some women manage their entire labour on gas and air alone, while others find that they need another form of pain relief in the later stages of labour
How will I use the gas and air and is it likely to make me feel sick?
Gas and air is breathed in through a mouthpiece or mask that is connected to a cylinder or pipes in the wall that lead to larger cylinders elsewhere You administer it yourself, so are more in control of how much you take and when.
Gas and air can make your lips and mouth feel tingly and dry, and in some cases women report feeling nauseous while taking it. Using a mouthpiece rather than a mask may help to reduce feelings of nausea brought on by the smell of the gas and the sensation of having a mask over your face, and taking sips of water may help. As the effect of gas and air is short-lived, you only need to use it during contractions; taking gas and air between contractions will not help with the pain of the next contraction and is likely to increase the sensation of nausea.
I want to have a great birth but you hear such awful stories -how can I stay positive?
For every awful birth story there is an equally positive one — it does tend to be the case that you are less likely to hear about the positive birth stories as these aren’t such good topics of discussion! However your labour and birth proceeds, the birth of your baby will be amazing because you will finally meet the little person who has dominated your life for the past nine months.
It is sensible to remain open minded about labour and birth, because it’s impossible to foresee exactly how things will go on the day. However, there is a lot that you and your partner can do to help prepare yourselves for labour and birth so that you
Gas and air
A form of self-controlled pain relief in labour
A mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide that is self-administered in labour.
Gas and air, also known as Entonox, is taken through a mask or a mouthpiece during labour. This dulls the pain centres in the brain and produce a sense of euphoria. This needs to be timed with your contractions as the effects are short-lasting, with the gas being breathed in just prior to and during a contraction You will feel normal once you stop using it
Gas and air tends to be the preferred choice for managing pain in women who want to labour as naturally as possible. The reason for this is that gas and air has several advantages, including the fact that you can remain mobile and active while using it; it can be used during a water birth; it doesn’t affect the baby in any way, and it doesn’t make you feel drowsy during labour, which allows you to feel more in control throughout and to remain as focused as possible on your contractions However, although it is a widely available and a popular choice of pain relief in the UK, it doesn’t tend to be used in the United States.
have the best chance of having a positive overall birth experience For example, you can both learn as much as possible about the process of labour and birth so that you can make informed decisions in labour. You can chat with your midwife, read books, find information on the internet, and attend antenatal classes. Also, knowing how labour progresses helps to demystify the experience and therefore removes some of the fear that accompanies labour and birth. Learning basic relaxation and breathing exercises also helps (see p 173), as being able to relax as much as possible during labour helps you to feel less anxious, which in turn can help the labour to proceed as quickly and smoothly as possible

Breathing techniques
Using relaxation and breathing techniques can help you to relax and cope with the contractions throughout your labour. Try practising techniques with your partner before labour. Learning to control your breathing has many benefits, including helping you to increase your energy reserves and let go of tension and anxiety so that you can breathe with the rhythm of the contraction. In the earlier stages of labour, you may want to practise longer, deeper breaths between contractions to help keep you calm and focused You can also try breathing in slowly at the start of a contraction and then exhaling slowly and continuing this pattern until the contraction has passed. Later in labour as contractions become stronger, you may find taking shorter, lighter breaths helps you to ride over the contraction.

How to manage the pain

There are a range of pain relief options available It’s wise to think about which method you would prefer before going into labour.
Relaxation, breathing, keeping mobile,
and massage: You remain in control and avoid intervention. Being upright can help the position of the baby and there are no side effects. This may not be sufficient pain relief for strong contractions
Water: Using a birthing pool in labour and possibly for delivery can hale you to labour quicker and less painfully, with no side effects.
TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve
stimulation): Sticky pads placed on your back send small electrical impulses to trigger the release of endorphins. You control the current
with a hand-held device. This may not provide sufficient relief for very strong contractions.
Gas and air: 50 per cent oxygen and 50 per cent nitrous oxygen. This is easy to use and drugs don’t accumulate in your body, Some women feel sick or sleepy and find this isn’t strong enough.
Pethidine or diamorphine: These can lessen
the pain, but can cause sickness and affect the baby’s breathing if given too close to delivery.
Epidural anaesthesia: A local injection near the spine, this is the most effective form of pain relief and doesn’t enter the baby’s system. It increases the chance of forceps, ventouse, and Caesarean, as you may not be able to feel when to push. You will be less mobile and will need monitoring