Non-Medicated Techniques
Some patients prefer to use non-medicated methods of pain management during some or all of their labor. Some of these techniques include: acupuncture, acupressure, massage, hypnosis, breathing techniques (Lamaze), and water immersion.
About your options..
Some patients prefer to use non-medicated methods of pain management during some (or all) of their labor. These techniques include: acupuncture, acupressure, massage, hypnosis, breathing techniques (Lamaze), and water immersion. Some of these techniques are very effective at relaxing cramped muscles or easing back pain during the early stages of labor. Some of these techniques are better at targeting localized pain.
Some non-medicated techniques include:
Hypnosis
Acupuncture
Yoga/Meditation
Massage
Walking
Water immersion
Visual imagery
Listening to music
Benefits
- May decrease anxiety and pain in the early stages of labor.
- Very few side effects for mother or baby.
- Hypnosis and breathing techniques may be practiced prior to labor.
Risks
- Though helpful in early stages of labor, non-medicated techniques may not provide enough relief in later stages.