Radhika MundraIs the Pain During Childbirth Making Women Afraid of Pregnancy?
Some women describe labour pain as the worst pain, even worse than the worst menstrual cramp one can ever have. The pain has been further exaggerated by movies and televisions shows, pitching labour pain as being excruciating. But when you hold a new life in your arms, all that pain seems well worth it, doesn’t it?
The problem is that many women are terrified of labour pain, mostly because of the exaggerated stories they’ve heard about it. They would be relieved to learn that there are several options for painless delivery too. It is best to consult your OB/GYN about it.
What Causes Pain During Childbirth?
Women experience intense pain during childbirth, known as labour pain, due to the contractions of the muscles of the uterus and the pressure on the cervix. The contractions become increasingly frequent as the baby becomes ready to meet the world.
Women feel this cramping pain as highly discomforting, especially since it can last for a long time and leads to aching abdomen, back and groin. Sometimes, the pain is extended to the woman’s thighs and sides as well, which can make it difficult to move as well.
She may also feel pain when pressure is exerted by the baby’s head on the cervix, leading to pressure on the bladder and intestines. This causes the birth canal and vagina to stretch, which causes further pain.
Not all Women Experience Similar Pain
For some women, delivering a baby can be one hell of a task, while for others, it might seem easier than anticipated. The experience of labour pain is different for every woman. Since everybody is unique, mentally and physically, the extent of pain can vary from woman to woman and pregnancy to pregnancy. So, if you are dreading pregnancy and childbirth because you saw your friend having the worst labour pain, you might be making a big mistake.
What Can be Done?
Various medications can be given to women during labour and delivery to cope with severe labour pain. However, women can keep themselves prepared for childbirth too, by taking up regular exercises, on their doctor’s recommendation, to strengthen the pelvic muscles so that the body can take the stress of delivery.
During childbirth, women can keep themselves distracted with music, massages, trying to walk, applying counter pressure, meditation and more, to minimize the pain. If you are still not convinced whether about being able to bear the labour pain, ask your doctor regarding your options for painless delivery rather than avoiding motherhood completely.
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