The more familiar you are with the methods of dealing with pain and with the several natural and drug-induced methods of pain relief available (see Natural Pain Relief), the easier it will be for you to manage during labor and birth. To make decisions about pain relief, you will also need to understand the changes that take place in your body during the three different stages of labor . Early first stage In this phase, the cervix begins to dilate. Contractions are mild, and you may find that natural methods, such as massage and breathing, are helpful. If you need stronger pain relief, you may be given analgesics, which dull pain but allow you to remain active since you won’t lose all feeling or muscle movement. Active first stage The cervix now starts to dilate more quickly and contractions are stronger and closer together. Some women are happy to continue with natural or analgesic pain relief; others may need stronger relief and an epidural may be given at this point (see Epidurals). Transition Contractions are intense and frequent as the cervix dilates fully. Systemic (IV) analgesics aren’t usually given this close to the birth since they could affect the baby. If you have an epidural already in place, this can be topped off. Second and third stages Stage two lasts from full dilation of the cervix until birth; contractions are strong and longer lasting, but easier to manage since you start pushing. Analgesics may be used. In the 3rd stage, delivery of the placenta, contractions are mild and you shouldn’t need pain relief.
