Many of my patients mention that they’ve watched A Birth Story to prepare for childbirth. This is akin to saying you watched The Princess Bride to understand marriage—trust me, the two experiences are worlds apart! The truth is, childbirth is rarely like those brief, dramatized episodes.
A common misconception among expectant mothers is that they will definitely opt for an epidural, leading them to enter labor underprepared for the reality of pain, as if it’s a choice. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. Here’s what you need to know about childbirth pain:
1. Pain is Inevitable
Every woman who gives birth will experience pain at some point, even with an epidural. Why? Because you won’t receive an epidural until you’re in active labor, which typically means being at least four centimeters dilated. This is significant because research indicates that women who wait until they are in active labor are less likely to have unnecessary C-sections, something you definitely want to avoid.
But how long will it take to reach that crucial four centimeters? You might endure hours, or even days, of contractions before getting there. These contractions can feel intense, and while IV pain medications can help, their effectiveness is limited and often wears off after a few hours. So, prepare to face some discomfort before your epidural kicks in.
2. Epidurals Aren’t Always 100% Effective
Receiving an epidural involves a long needle (which you’ll hardly feel thanks to the numbing agent) being inserted into a space in your spine that’s about the size of a human hair. A thin catheter is then threaded through this needle, which is subsequently removed. This catheter continuously delivers pain-relieving medication into the epidural space. Ideally, it should numb your abdomen and legs equally. However, there’s a 5-8% chance that the pain relief won’t be balanced.
Due to individual anatomy, the catheter can sometimes shift to one side, making one side numb while leaving the other side feeling labor pains. Your nurse will try to help by adjusting your position, but it may not always work. Additionally, some women experience “windows,” areas of the body that remain sensitive despite the medication. Sadly, these can be tricky to resolve fully.
3. Epidurals May Fall Short During Pushing
One of the most surprising letdowns for my patients comes when they’re ready to push, only to feel their epidural isn’t working effectively. This can happen because the nerves affected by the descending baby’s head may not respond to the medication. Increasing the dosage could make pushing difficult, without offering any pain relief. The only option then is to push the baby out.
Preparing for Pain
Knowing what to expect during labor can empower you, which is why I highly recommend birthing classes. Today’s classes are far more advanced than those of the past. Gone are the days of simply breathing in and out; modern instructors teach relaxation techniques that help you maintain control during labor. You’ll also learn about the birthing process and what might occur in the hospital, as well as what to expect in the days following your return home.
I often liken labor to swimming in a turbulent ocean. Anyone who’s been in the ocean knows the initial shock of the waves. You may find yourself overwhelmed, just like during labor, which is a powerful force of nature. Our instinct is to shy away from pain, but in labor, tensing up can actually intensify discomfort. The best approach is to try to relax and go with the flow.
Knowledge truly is power, and ignorance does not lead to bliss—bliss would be if men had to experience this too. For more insights on navigating pregnancy, check out this excellent resource on home insemination.
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Summary
Childbirth pain is a universal experience, and while epidurals can provide relief, they are not foolproof. Understanding the realities of labor can help you prepare mentally and physically. Enrolling in modern birthing classes can equip you with techniques to manage pain effectively and navigate the unpredictable nature of childbirth.