TENS: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is administered via a TENS machine, a small box which is attached to parts of the body with wires and pads. Electrical impulses are sent through the wires to nerve endings to prevent the pain messages which are being sent by your womb and cervix from reaching your brain. You put a pad on either side of your spine at bra level and one at either side of the base of your spine just above your buttocks. You can then control the stength of the pulses. …

Mobile Epidurals: A mobile epidural is similar to an epidural but with lower dosage. This means that the legs are less likely to be numbed allowing you to walk around. You can opt for a mobile epidural in early labour.
Pros: A high level of pain relief but maintained mobility, more able to push and less likely to need an assisted delivery than with an epidural
Cons: There may still be reduced movement, you may be itchy and have difficulty passing urine, you may still need an assisted delivery, you may still have …

Epidurals: Epidurals are administered via a thin tube which is inserted (through a needle which is then removed) between the vertebrae in your spine. It numbs the lower half of the body (often including your legs) and stops all contraction pains. Although you can have an epidural at any time most midwives advise not to bother in the final stages of labour as baby will usually be out by the time the epidural has been arranged and taken effect.
Pros: It is a complete pain blocker, you stay alert and are …

Pethidine: Pethidine is a drug which is a pain killer and an anti-spasmodic so it helps with the pain of contractions and helps you to relax. It can be used with Entonox or on it’s own. It is similar to morphine and is administered via injection or intravenously. Pethidine can be used in the first stage of labour but not in the final stages as it can distress your baby (it can slow down their breathing).
Pros: It heps you relax, it is an effective pain killer, it is used by some …

Entonox: Entonox is more commonly known as “gas and air” and is one of the forms of pain relief with the least side effects but also with the lowest level of pain relief. It is a 50/50 mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide. It is inhaled through a tube which you put to your mouth whenever you want some.
Entonox does not so much stop the pain as it does change your perception of both pain and time. It is similar to being slightly drunk. Most hospitals will let dad have …

It is always best to decide in your birth plan which methods of pain relief you want and which you want to avoid. This is because it allows you to make the decision with a clear head having carefully weighed up the pros and cons.
On the day, however, be prepared to change your plans. You never know (even if this is not your first baby) how you will cope with the pain. You should not rule out any form of pain relief unless you are positive you do not want …