Seeing the agonized expressions of women in labor, do you feel a heart-wrenching pain enveloping you as you approach delivery? How can you reduce this suffering?
Research indicates that the pressure exerted during passage through the birth canal helps the fetus expel amniotic fluid and mucus from the lungs, nasopharynx, and oral cavity, facilitating the baby's breathing. Simultaneously, this process benefits the development of the baby's nervous system. You may have heard that babies delivered via cesarean section have a significantly higher risk of developing sensory integration disorder. Based on a thorough assessment of both maternal and fetal conditions, doctors suggest that the success rate for vaginal delivery should approach 80%.
Breathing Techniques for Pain Relief Gain Popularity Among Expectant Mothers
When facing vaginal delivery, expectant mothers often seek ways to alleviate labor pains. Medical experts have developed various methods to achieve this goal. Among them, breathing techniques for pain relief are highly favored by mothers due to their strong self-management potential and proven effectiveness.
Breathing Techniques for Pain Relief
1. Early First Stage (Latent Phase): Cervical dilation reaches 2–3 cm. Contractions are mild, lasting 30–50 seconds each with 5–6 minute intervals.
Focus your gaze on a fixed point. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth, relaxing your abdomen completely.Maintain steady breathing at 6–9 breaths per minute, ensuring balanced inhalation and exhalation. The mantra is: "Inhale two, three, four; exhale two, three, four." 2. Subsequently, the cervix dilates rapidly during the active phase of the first stage (4–8 cm dilation). This period features the most frequent and intense contractions, making it relatively challenging to endure.Contractions occur every 2–4 minutes, lasting 60 seconds each.
During contractions, the mother should relax as much as possible, focusing her eyes on a fixed point. Continue breathing through the nose and exhaling through the mouth. Accelerate breathing as contractions intensify and slow it as contractions ease.
The mnemonic is: "Inhale two-three-four, exhale two-three-four; inhale two-three, exhale two-three; inhale two, exhale two; inhale-exhale, inhale-exhale, inhale-exhale; inhale two, exhale two; inhale two-three, exhale two-three; inhale two-three-four, exhale two-three-four."
3. As the cervix nears full dilation, contractions become frequent, occurring every 30–90 seconds and lasting 60–90 seconds. The cervix rapidly dilates from 8 cm to 10 cm.
At this stage, the expectant mother should maintain high-positioned breathing originating from the throat, slightly opening her mouth to inhale and exhale (producing a "hee hee hee" sound). Ensure balanced inhalation and exhalation volumes to avoid hyperventilation.During each contraction, perform 4–6 rapid breaths followed by a deep exhalation.
Mnemonic: "Inhale, inhale, inhale, inhale, exhale; inhale, inhale, inhale, inhale, exhale."
4. During the second stage of labor, the mother's active cooperation is crucial for faster delivery. Therefore, push forcefully during contractions and rest completely when contractions cease.
When a contraction begins, take a deep breath and hold it while pushing downward forcefully. Lift your head to look toward your navel, tucking your chin forward. Hold your breath for 20–30 seconds if possible. After exhaling, immediately take another deep breath, hold it, and push until the contraction ends.
5. When the cervix is nearly fully dilated and the fetal presenting part reaches the pelvic floor, the mother may feel an involuntary urge to push downward. To prevent premature pushing that could cause cervical edema and hinder labor progress, the "panting" technique can be used. This method is also employed during fetal head delivery to avoid excessive force that might cause perineal tears. Midwives will instruct the mother to "pant" during this phase.
Although breathing techniques are used during labor, they should be learned and practiced under professional guidance starting in late pregnancy (around 7 months). The husband's participation and cooperation demonstrate caring for his wife and enhance intimacy between partners.
During practice, focus on the experience and avoid overexertion.
If signs of preterm labor appear—such as contractions, abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, or a sensation of pressure—stop practicing immediately and go to the hospital.
Whether breathing techniques are suitable ultimately depends on consultation with an obstetrician during labor. They can be used if the fetal position is normal, there is no cephalopelvic disproportion, no fetal hypoxia, and no severe pregnancy complications.
Beyond the breathing techniques described above, expectant mothers should also pay attention to certain details before and during labor to better manage pain.
1. Avoid isolation. Having someone by your side during labor provides emotional support, which can help lessen your perception of pain.
Support persons should constantly monitor the mother's emotional changes, offering timely reassurance to alleviate doubts, relieve tension and loneliness, and continuously build her confidence. Expectant mothers should also practice self-affirmation, focusing their mindset on positive and optimistic aspects.
2. Avoid excessive fatigue.Excessive fatigue can intensify pain sensations. As your due date approaches, prioritize rest to better manage the discomfort of contractions.
3. Avoid tension and impatience. Excessive anxiety, stress, and the intense pain of labor can trigger a series of neuroendocrine responses in the mother. This may increase oxygen consumption, place additional strain on the heart, reduce blood flow, cause fetal distress, and weaken contractions.
During contractions, focus on deep breathing to relax mentally.
4. Overcome fear of pain. British scholar Read proposed the "Fear-Tension-Pain Syndrome," where negative emotions near delivery heighten sensitivity to labor pain.Conversely, the intense pain during labor intensifies fear, tension, and anxiety, creating a vicious cycle.
During labor, focus on distractions. Avoid dwelling on the pain of contractions; instead, think about the baby about to arrive.
5. Educate yourself about childbirth beforehand.If expectant parents are completely unprepared and unfamiliar with the entire birthing process, the mother may develop negative emotions due to ignorance. Additionally, she may be unable to apply appropriate pain relief methods during labor and become overly anxious or confused when faced with unexpected situations.
Before delivery, read relevant books, seek advice from others with experience, and consider attending childbirth education classes offered by hospitals.6. A scientifically balanced diet can also help reduce labor pain. Meals should be small, varied, and nutritious, typically eaten in multiple smaller portions throughout the day. Portion sizes should be appropriately controlled, especially for high-protein and high-fat foods. Unrestricted consumption of these items during pregnancy can lead to excessive fetal growth, potentially complicating delivery.Fatty foods contain high cholesterol levels. Excess cholesterol deposits in the bloodstream can sharply increase blood viscosity. Combined with the effects of pregnancy toxins, this can elevate blood pressure. In severe cases, it may lead to hypertensive encephalopathy, such as cerebral hemorrhage. Opt for lighter seasoning in your diet and limit salty foods. Daily salt intake should be kept below 7 grams. Avoid excessive water consumption.