Pain during labour

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What happens when I have a contraction?

Your uterus contracts and relaxes during labour, which makes the cervix open and the baby move down the birth canal. As the contractions become more regular, they get stronger. In most labours, they build up gradually. For many women, contractions feel like cramp or severe period pain across their bump, which builds to a peak, becoming quite intense, before gradually dying down again.

There's a gap between each one, giving you a chance to rest. Contractions that build, getting closer together and lasting longer, indicate that your labour is progressing.

If I get backache, what can I do?

Some women feel the labour in their back, especially if their baby is lying with his back against theirs (occipitoposterior position). Massaging the lower back, either with or between each contraction, can help ease the pain.

If the mum-to-be stands, leaning over a surface such as a worktop, or kneels on the bed, her partner or midwife can get to her back to massage it. This can provide relief. Towels wrung out in hot water pressed against the lower back, or a warm bath, are also comforting.

What else will I feel?

As the baby's head emerges, some women describe a 'burning' sensation. The perineum (area between the vagina and the back passage) stretches as the baby's head is being born. By blowing out long breaths, your baby will emerge slowly, and any burning will only last a moment, and is a sign your baby is seconds from entering the world.

By Anne Richley, midwife