a n y pregnant women believe they have two choices for pain relief during labor: an epidural or nothing at all. But there are several alternative pain relief options that can help alleviate pain without using medication.
We asked experts to offer eight drug-free methods of reducing labor pain.
Acupuncture
Aromatherapy
Hydrotherapy
Hypnosis
Meditation
Music Therapy
Pattern Breathing
Reflexology
Acupuncture
In addition to treating the pain of labor, acupuncture can be used to encourage the onset of labor after 40 weeks, says Donna R. Kesselman, MD, a pain management specialist who practices in New York City. Acupuncture also increases the readiness of the cervix, increases the strength of contractions, and reduces your anxiety and pain. In one study, women who used acupuncture once a week for four weeks before delivery experienced a reduced c-section rate, a decreased need for an epidural, and fewer requirements for Pitocin (a drug used to speed up contractions).
Tip: Always use a licensed practitioner and get your husband, partner, or labor coach on board the month before your due date so he or she can learn how to stimulate acupressure points to reduce pain during labor.
Aromatherapy
A simple scent can work wonders to reduce anxiety, says Jennifer Echert, ND, a naturopath and medical expert for ChicagoHealers.com, an online resource that educates users on alternative health practices. However, you need to choose a scent that appeals to you.
“Especially in labor, less is more when it comes to using essential oils,” Echert says. Stick with lavender for its pain-relieving and anxiety-reducing properties, neroli for relaxing and relieving anxiety, and peppermint for the nausea that comes during labor. Peppermint’s energizing properties are also helpful during the pushing phase.
Hydrotherapy
The simple act of taking a warm bath during the first part of labor has been shown to decrease overall pain and use of pain medication, Dr. Kesselman says. In several studies, hydrotherapy, or the age-old use of water for labor and/or birth, ultimately led to lower episiotomy rates, less blood loss and a reduced need for pain medication. See our article on birthing methods that includes hydrobirthing…
Hypnosis
If you’re with an expert who can help you reach a point of focused concentration, hypnosis can help shorten the duration of labor and ease the pain.
In one study, hypnosis led to a reduced duration of labor and 59 percent of women required no pain medication. Dr. Kesselman shares an interesting finding about hypnosis and epidurals: among first-time moms, the epidural rate of those using hypnosis was just 18 percent compared to the 40 to 95 percent of women who request epidurals without hypnosis.
