Non-Pharmacologic Pain Control in Labor

Non-Pharmacologic Pain Control in Labor, Labor Alternatives to Analagesics, Natural Childbirth Assistance, Non-Pharmacologic Pain Management in Labor

See Also

Management
Beneficial Measures

Any Stage of Labor
1. Continuous Labor Support (Doula)
  1. Decreases obstetric interventions
2. Hypnosis in Labor
  1. Decreases pharmacologic Pain Management in Labor
First Stage of Labor
1. Warm water baths
  1. Mixed results on efficacy in studies
  2. Safe option for limited period (<1-2 hours)
  3. Wait until active labor (cervical dilation >5 cm)
  4. Keep water Temperature less than Body Temperature
  5. Typically used in First Stage of Labor, but may be used in second stage
  6. Cluett (2018) Cochrane Database Syst Rev (5): CD000111 +PMID:19370552 [PubMed]
2. Upright Positioning (head above hips)
  1. Lawrence (2013) Cochrane Database Syst Rev (10): CD003934 +PMID:24105444 [PubMed]
3. Acupuncture
  1. Variable evidence in decreasing need for assisted Vaginal Delivery and Cesarean Section
4. Intradermal sterile-water injections in sacral area
  1. Four 1 ml injections in various regions of Sacrum
  2. Causes local burning (counterirritation)
  3. Limited evidence from small studies
  4. Derry (2012) Cochrane Database Syst Rev (1):CD009107 +PMID:22258999 [PubMed]

Management
Unclear efficacy or disproven (small, inconclusive or negative studies)

Lumbosacral Massage
Warm showers
Exercise Ball
TENS Unit
Aromatherapy (no proven effect)
Audioanalgesia (no proven effect)

References