pain relief

Question 1

name 3 examples of pain relief in labour

Answer 1

Epidural,
gas and air
water bath

Question 2

what is an epidural

Answer 2

I.V drip of medication onto the spine, takes 20 mins to set up and around 20 mins to take full effect- provides pain relief for mother- quite strong

Question 3

benefits of epidural

Answer 3

very good pain relief- strong some feel no pain in labour
can be topped up for a c-section if needed
some epidurals allow mobility for the mother- can move

usually no effect on baby

Question 4

limitations of an epidural

Answer 4

may slow down 2nd stage of labour
may causes leg weakness- use of forceps in birth
may causes mothers low BP, fever and itching
can take some time to set up if incorrect- need trained anastrologist

Question 5

what is acupuncture

Answer 5

pain relief applied on the body parts eg les arms- by a trained midwife- taken a course

Question 6

benefits and limitations of acupuncture

Answer 6

can provide some pain relief- physical, psychological, cognitive, no risk to B
L- not always available due to the midwife needing to take training, not strong pain relief

Question 7

what is a water pool

Answer 7

warm water bath where the mother can move in- baby can be born in this bath or not depending on the mothers wishes and B health.

Question 8

benefits and limitations of a water pool

Answer 8

B- relaxing for M, mat make contractions apper less painful
L- increased risk of breathing problem (fluid can move out of B tree), and infection (in water) for baby, not always available

Question 9

what is Entonox

Answer 9

gas and air- mixture pf nitrous oxide and O2, breathed by m

Question 10

benefits and limitations of Entonox (gas and air)

Answer 10

B- self administered, rapid excretion from the body, moderate pain relief, start immediately

L- may get unpleasant side effects, only moderate relief still feel pain, prolonged use may harm mother and Baby