Managing pain in labour

Pain relief in labour

Having a baby is a very special time. It’s normal to feel excited and a little nervous too, especially about pain during labour.

The good news is that there are lots of safe and helpful ways to manage pain. This information will help you understand your choices, so you can feel more prepared and confident.

You can have different types of pain relief depending on where you give birth. Your midwife will support you to choose what’s right for you.

If you're planning to give birth at home, these options may be available:

Self-help techniques: breathing, moving around, using a birth ball, massage, etc.
TENS machine: this uses small electrical pulses to help block pain. You would need to buy or hire one yourself.
Gas and Air (Entonox): your midwife can bring this to your home, but it may be limited due to the size of the canister. Please talk to your midwife about this.
Water: you can use your shower or bath for pain relief. You will need to arrange your own birth pool if you want a waterbirth.

The birth centres offer a calm, home-like setting with more pain relief options available:

Self-help techniques
TENS machine can be provided
Gas and Air (Entonox): unlimited
Pethidine
Birth pools are available for pain relief during labour and waterbirth
Aromatherapy by a midwife

If you give birth on the labour ward, you will have access to these pain relief options:

Self-help techniques
TENS machine can be provided
Gas and Air (Entonox): unlimited
Pethidine
Birth pools are available for pain relief during labour and waterbirth
Epidural

Contact details

Call MAMAS line
0300 013 2004

for any concerns about pregnancy from 16 weeks onwards
when you are in labour
during the early postnatal period for concerns about you and your baby

It's available 24/7 and staffed by trained midwives.

What should I choose?

Every labour is different. What works well for one person might not work for someone else and what worked well for you in a previous labour may not work well this time.

It’s a good idea to learn about all your options but try to keep an open mind. You can make decisions as your labour progresses, with support from your midwife or doctor.

Sometimes, certain types of pain relief may not be recommended for medical reasons. Your healthcare team will explain everything clearly and help you make the best choice for you and your baby.