Endometriosis is a painful disorder in which the tissue that normally lines inside the uterus-extends outside your uterus. It generally affects the reproductive organs of women. The reason behind its occurrence is when the cells which are similar to those that line the uterus are found in other parts of the body. Endometriosis can cause you sometimes severe pain during your periods. Treatments are available to treat endometriosis like surgeries which include laparotomy, laparoscopy, and hysterectomy. Women having endometriosis generally face the problem and struggles to get pregnant. You should be aware that where you can be treated for this disorder.
Painless normal delivery at Pushp Gynae Centre Indore.
Patient with history four years Infertility, conceived after treatment and delivered a healthy big baby of 4.250 kg. Consultation and procedure done by Dr Sheela Chhabra, Indore
Are you worried about labour pains? To help counter this, here are some pain relief options that you can opt for. Talk to your doctor about these options in advance, so that if you need help during labour, your doctor knows your choices.
Being aware of pain relief options, helps you make an informed decision during labour. It is also possible that the hospital may not have all the options available to you.
During one of your antenatal check-ups, ask your doctor what pain relief options are available at their hospital and which one they recommend.
Natural Options for Pain Relief:
Apart from medicines, there are many ways to cope with labour pains. These natural pain relief options may not stop the pain completely, but they can make it more tolerable or may help speed up labour. Some things you can try are:
Respiratory techniques: During labour, rhythmic breathing techniques provide the maximum amount of oxygen to you and your baby. It can also help you cope with the pain of contractions. The process of breathing in should not be longer than the process of exhaling.
Massage: Massage can help you cope with labour pains and be relaxed. During labour, your partner can massage the very bottom of your waist during contractions. Or you can also get shoulder massage done.
Choosing the right position: Research has shown that women who move during labour have shorter labour times and need to take less painkillers than women who lie in bed. There are certain positions that can help speed up labour and make your contractions more effective. Read about this in our article in stages of labour.
Applying heat: Applying heat is a tried-and-tested method for relieving sore and tight muscles. Apply heat from a hot water bottle to your back, abdomen or the area between the abdomen and thigh (groin). A warm bath with lukewarm water may also be helpful.
Entonox (commonly called laughing gas) can reduce the intensity of contractions if inhaled 30 seconds before the peak of contractions. This means that you have to inhale it as soon as the contraction starts. This won’t stop your pain completely, but some moms-to-be say it’s enough to go through labour comfortably.
Advantages:
easy to use
flexible and quick-acting
it doesn’t stay in your body
Along with the analgesic effect, the oxygen in Entonox can make you feel refreshed.
Safe for baby. No need for extra monitoring of baby during use
TENS:
The TENS machine sends a pulse of electric energy, which can be effective in relieving pain. It is most effective if used from the beginning of labour. That’s why you have to start using it from home before going to the hospital.
The TENS machine should not be used in certain circumstances, such as if you are less than 37 weeks pregnant (see your doctor first), or if you have a cardiac pacemaker or heart rhythm problem.
Advantages:
Portable (carry able anywhere), external to the body (non-invasive), and easy to use and control. No need for anaesthetist or doctor for use
You can move around while using it
You can use it for as long as you want as needed. It can be turned off when not needed
It doesn’t interfere with your delivery process
No long term side effects and safe for you and baby
Harm:
You may need someone else’s help to get the pads in place
It may help in the early stages of labour
This can make it difficult for your birth partner to massage the back.
If the baby’s heart needs to be monitored electronically, the TENS machine will need to be removed. it’s expensive.
This spinal injection, given directly into your lower back, is a very effective and fast-acting pain relief option. This is regional anaesthesia, which numbs your abdomen for complete relief from pain. If you want to have an emergency caesarean or quick birth with instruments, you may be given a spinal cord.
Advantages:
Rapid pain relief, it shows effect in just five to 10 minutes. It shows effect sooner than epidural.
Unlike an epidural, it can only be given in a single injection, so there is no tube attached to the back.
If there is a caesarean operation, general anaesthesia from the spinal cord is not needed. you will be awake at the birth of the baby
You will be more active than under general anaesthesia, your baby will also be more active. There will be better relief from pain and there will be no possibility of feeling nauseous.
You may have to put in a tube (urinary catheter) for a shorter period of time than you would with an epidural
Epidural:
An epidural is a very effective pain reliever option, which numbs labour pains. It is a local anaesthesia, which is given by inserting a thin tube into the spine. If you’re having trouble coping with labour, an epidural can make your labour experience more enjoyable.
You can have an epidural at any stage of labour. However, it is usually given during active labour, when your contractions are getting stronger and your cervix is about five to six cm. till it has spread.
It is the preferred pain relief option of hospitals and nursing homes, which is touted as ‘painless delivery’. However, this claim is a bit misleading, because although the epidural is effective at numbing pain, you may still feel contractions before you can take it. And if you have an epidural as a caesarean operation, you will definitely feel pain while you recover from the operation.
Read our article for more information about epidurals.
Advantages:
It is the most effective method of pain relief during labour.
Top-up can usually be given by an experienced nurse or doctor once the epidural is in place, no need to wait for the anaesthetist
You will continue to feel contractions and will be able to understand the whole position, but will not feel any pain
If you have high blood pressure, it can help lower it.
If an emergency caesarean operation is needed, it can be topped up with a more effective local anaesthesia.
Pethidine:
Pethidine is a narcotic (opiate) medication that can be given by drip or injection. It can give some relief from labour pains. It doesn’t completely numb the pain, but makes it more bearable. You should take pethidine in the early stages of labour, when your cervix is opening from a tightly closed position to a full dilation. This is the time before you start pushing.
If your doctor thinks you’re going to have a baby soon, she won’t give you pethidine, as it may not be right for your baby.
Advantages:
It shows its effect in a very short time.
It can help you to relax.
If your labour has already reached an active stage, it doesn’t slow it down.
If you’re having a hard time coping with contractions, it may help to postpone or not have an epidural.
If you don’t want to have an epidural and still want help dealing with strong contractions, pethidine is the right choice.
Patient with history of Infertility of 5 years had a polyp inside the uterus.
Polyp was removed via Hysteroscope. After two months patient conceived by IUI, intrauterine insemination. Procedure done by Dr Sheela Chhabra at Pushp Gynae Centre, Indore
