Pain Relief in Labour

Labour can be intense, but there are many ways to manage it. This outlines the range of pain relief options available to you during labour in maternity, from self-help techniques to medical interventions. Your midwife or doctor will support you in choosing what’s right for you.

Further Information

Other resources – Labour Pains

Pain relief in labour – NHS

Pregnancy Book 2025.pdf Page 106

• Self-Help Techniques

  These can be used alone or alongside other methods:

  • Education and Preparation: Attending antenatal classes and learning about labour can help you feel more in control.
  • Breathing and Relaxation: Deep, slow breathing and staying calm can reduce tension and pain. (Please attend our KGH 4-week hypnobirthing online programme).
  • Movement and Positioning: Walking, rocking, or kneeling can help labour progress and ease discomfort. Gravity will always help.
  • Massage and Support: A birth partner can provide emotional support and massage.
  • Warm Bath or Shower: Warm water can soothe and relax muscles.
• Oral Analgesia
  • Paracetamol: Safe in labour and can help with early-stage pain at home.
  • Co-codamol:  Stronger pain relief that can be given when you come into the hospital, ( it contains codeine and paracetamol).
• TENS Machine (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
  • Small pads are placed on your back to deliver mild electrical impulses.
  • Best used in early labour, especially for back pain.
  • No known side effects for you or your baby.
  • You control the intensity and can remain mobile.
  • Not suitable for use in water or if you have a pacemaker.
• Water for Labour (Hydrotherapy)
  • A warm bath or birthing pool can help you relax and reduce pain.
  • Encourages movement and comfort.
  • Often used in midwife-led units or at home births.
  • You can still use gas and air in the pool.
• Gas and Air (Entonox)
  • A mix of oxygen and nitrous oxide.
  • Breathed in through a mask or mouthpiece during contractions.
  • Fast-acting and self-controlled.
  • May cause light-headedness or nausea, but wears off quickly.
• Morphine Injection
  • Given into the thigh or buttock.
  • Takes 20 minutes to work and lasts 2–4 hours.
  • Helps with pain and relaxation.
  • May cause drowsiness or nausea.
  • Can affect baby if given close to birth – but we will assess baby at birth in case they need extra support.
• Remifentanil PCA (Patient-Controlled Analgesia)
  • A strong, fast-acting opioid given via a drip.
  • You press a button to receive a dose during contractions.
  • Wears off quickly and is suitable if you can’t have an epidural.
  • May cause drowsiness or slow breathing—oxygen monitoring is required.
• Epidural
  • A local anaesthetic injected into your back by an anaesthetist.
  • Provides excellent pain relief, especially in long or difficult labours.
  • You may still feel pressure but not pain.
  • Requires continuous monitoring and may limit mobility.
  • Can prolong the second stage of labour and increase the chance of assisted delivery.
• Spinal Anaesthetic (for Caesarean Section)
  • A single injection into the spine, used for planned or emergency C-sections.
  • Provides rapid and complete pain relief from the waist down.
  • You’ll be awake but numb during the procedure.
• Final Notes
  • Your birth plan can include your preferences, but it’s okay to change your mind.
  • Your midwife will help you make informed choices.
  • Not all options may be available in every setting—talk to your midwife about what you would like for labour.