The process of child labor is described to be very painful. Labour pain is instigated by contractions of the muscles by the uterus (Joseph, 2018). The pain can be in various forms including cramping in the back, abdomen.  During childbirth, there are various technics that women use in the management of pain while undergoing the process. These technics only act as comfort measures to reduce the pain experienced. The measures are similarly effective. The most renowned methods are pharmacological and non-pharmacological nursing interventions for pain management.

Usage of pharmacological interventions for the management of labor pain has been used predominantly in maternal care. Even though it may be much expensive compared to non-pharmacological interventions, its predominance is due to its efficiency in the reduction of labor pain to the expectant mothers. Non-pharmacological interventions are similarly effective in reducing labor pain, also it rarely does any damage or harm to the fetus. The process is also cost-effective and simple. Administration of non-pharmacological interventions fosters a proper relationship between the midwife/nurses and the women giving birth (Boateng, 2019) some of the non-pharmacological interventions include; controlled breathing, water immersion, and birth. By being immersed in water the women feel much relaxed and in control. This is because the intra-abdominal pressure rises and therefore helps the mother breathes easily. The use of the water is to enable the pelvic tissue to be more elastic and easily flexible. Once it’s flexible, there is less pain experienced during a contraction when delivering the baby (Iwona Czech, 2018)

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There are different categories of drugs that are used in inducing pain during childbirth. Some of the classifications include; Analgesics, Regional anesthesia, and tranquilizers. However

much of these drugs help in pain reduction, they come with different side effects. Analgesics are drugs that ease the pain but do not completely numb the pain. Analgesics are induced in many ways as they do not have any effect on the muscle movement. Analgesics can be induced through an IV into a vein (intravenously) or simply through a shot in the muscle. However, these drugs come with different side effects including; nausea and drowsiness. The drugs may also have lasting effects on the development of the baby.

Regional anesthesia is a drug used to reduce pain. By completely blocking the pain in specific parts of the body. Such drugs are used to completely block the pain in caesarian and vaginal sections during deliveries. Local anesthesia such as the epidural relieves pain in the lower part of the body. These include anything below the belly button. The drug can be decreased or increased depending on the need of the woman giving birth. Its upside is that very minimal drug reaches the baby. However it has a variant of side effects including; it may cause blood pressure and thus make it difficult for the woman to urinate; also the mother may experience headaches, nausea, and itching.

In conclusion

There is uttermost importance to enlighten parturient on the different ways to relieve pain during child labor. This will help them overcome their fears related to childbirth.

Bibliography

Boateng, E. K. (2019). Nurses and midwives’ experiences of using non-pharmacological interventions for labor pain management: a qualitative study in Ghana. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth.

Iwona Czech, P. F. (2018). Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Methods of Labour Pain Relief—Establishment of Effectiveness and Comparison. Int J Environ Res Public Health.

Joseph, E. P. (2018). Dealing with pain during childbirth.