Modern medicine has a significant arsenal of medications that help reduce the pain of a woman in labor during labor. In our country, any woman has the right to have labor pain relief. Of course, there are situations when drug pain relief is simply necessary. However, it should be remembered that there are no drugs absolutely harmless to the mother and baby.
Any drug acts on the whole body as a whole, and, in addition to helping, causes so-called side effects, and sometimes complications. Therefore, any medical intervention during childbirth should be caused not by a whim, but by strict necessity. A similar need arises, for example, with various deviations from the physiological course of childbirth or with a pathologically low pain threshold of a woman in labor.
Labor pains are often identical to those sensations experienced by most women on “critical” days: the same nagging in the lower abdomen, the same aches in the lumbar region. As the contractions intensify, the painful sensations intensify, but the nature of the pain does not change.
There is no acute, unbearable pain at any time during labor. The sensations during the fight would be more correctly described as pulling, aching. In addition, each contraction develops in waves. With its onset, the woman in labor experiences minimal discomfort, as the contraction develops, the sensations gradually increase, and then also gradually decrease.
During the second stage of labor during labor instead of pain the woman in labor has a strong urge to push, caused by the pressure of the baby's head on the rectal wall. And at the moment when the baby is born, the tissues of the perineum are stretched so much that sensitivity in them completely disappears: that is, the mother does not experience pain at the time of the birth of the child.
And most importantly - there is no constant pain in childbirth! Both contractions and attempts alternate with intervals during which the woman does not experience anything, except perhaps the accumulated fatigue!
In order to feel good during normal, uncomplicated childbirth, the expectant mother should study self-pain relief techniques. These methods are easy to perform and require no special training. It's about massage.
Sacral zone massage
If we assume the possibility of rating the popularity of massage points used during contractions, then the first place would certainly belong to the sacrum area. This zone is located slightly below the lower back and is a projection of the eponymous - sacral - spine. It is in this section that the sacral nerve plexus is located - a powerful nerve node responsible for the innervation of the pelvic organs.
These organs include, among others, the uterus. By stimulating the sacrum area at the time of the contraction, we seem to block the transmission of the pain impulse. The impact on this area can be carried out in various ways, but in any case, the force of stimulation of the sacrum must be significant. These can be pressing movements performed with one or two hands, simultaneously or alternately.
The stimulation itself can be carried out with the fingertips, knuckles, the whole palm, the base of the fist. The area of \u200b\u200binfluence can be limited only to the region of the sacrum or spread much wider - depending on which option of exposure gives maximum relief to the woman in labor. To prevent irritation on the skin at the site of exposure, you can first apply a cream or massage oil to it.
Diversionary maneuver
This method is, in fact, the transfer of the source of pain. Remember how we three whiskey with a headache, creating an artificial source of discomfort and distracting from the real. In childbirth, we will assign the role of "imaginary patient" to two pretty bones, which are called ileum. These are the very bones of the pelvis that, before pregnancy, protruded forward in the lower abdomen when you lay on your back.
They should be stimulated during the fight, simultaneously from both sides, using the same force and the same techniques as when rubbing the temporal region. You can also affect the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe lower abdomen. In this case, you should make simultaneous stroking movements with your palms on both sides, directing them from the bones to the pubis and back.
Iron
This is the name of the next version of anesthetic massage, which is most convenient to use while lying on your side. Place your palm on your inner thigh. During the contraction, press your palm against the skin of the thigh and drive it non-stop, like an iron, from groin to knee and back. Such an effect will both relieve and make you relax as much as possible.
The main thing is not to expect pain and do not be afraid of it. Remember that childbirth is a physiological process, and nature, which prepared such a test for us, took care of help in it. Summarize:
- Sacral massage is the most effective method of pain relief.
- Stimulating the ilium is also an effective red herring.
- An inner thigh massage provides pain relief and relaxation.
- Relaxation and rest is essential between contractions.
Every pregnant woman experiences fear of the upcoming birth to a greater or lesser extent.
We listen to or read all the existing stories about childbirth, we ask our relatives and friends, and all together come to the conclusion that childbirth is painful. But do not worry too much and think about it a lot, because Mother Nature had to take care of us.
We must not forget that childbirth is also a completely natural process, and in our arsenal, in the end, there will probably be several ways to avoid the worst emotions at this crucial moment in our life. So, there is natural pain relief, which is provided to the expectant mother with the release of endorphins - the hormones of happiness during contractions. But that's not all. Every woman can help herself to survive the difficult moments of labor, if she has an idea of \u200b\u200bthe correct massage during childbirth.
Agree that it is always better to postpone the use of medications for an emergency, and first of all it is worth using natural methods of pain relief, which are possible thanks to the natural mechanisms of our body.
Do not be skeptical about massage as it can significantly reduce pain during labor.
And you can learn it quite simply, you just need to carefully study its types and methods of conducting. In this we will gladly try to help you in this article.
How and why does massage help?
The pain during childbirth begins with the first contractions and gradually increases. It is known that it is caused primarily by contraction of the uterus, dilatation of the cervix and stretching of the birth canal. And the closer to the moment of birth, the more painful.
But already before the birth of a child, when it comes time to push, the pain changes its character. It is already associated with pressure on the vagina, rectum, and some women find it less painful. And even at this time there is no time to relax and tune in, and only a few minutes of hard work remain. 
Therefore, our article is devoted to massage in the first stage of childbirth, when the birth canal is being prepared for the child to pass through it, and the mother is required to have maximum patience and the correct psychological attitude.
In this period, oddly enough, little depends on doctors. And best of all, Mom herself can help herself. Her attitude should be the most calm and confident in the success of the upcoming enterprise.
The periods of contractions alternate with periods of absolute rest, and the pain is not constant. There is time to relax and have a massage that affects the entire nervous system.
You transmit information through the skin to the brain, which should form the correct reaction for you and alleviate the condition. The brain begins to stimulate the release of the necessary enzymes and hormones into the bloodstream, which adapt the body to stress and act as natural pain relief. But this is not the only effect of massage. It enhances blood circulation in organs and tissues, which in itself is anesthetic and, at the same time, prevents the child's oxygen starvation.
Interesting! Happy childbirth
Types of massage during childbirth
You can do the massage yourself, or you can ask your husband or midwife about it. When massaging, keep your hands warm, you can apply an essential oil suitable for relaxation, or simply ask the midwife for ordinary petroleum jelly.
Massage of special points on the body
There are two points, when stimulated, contractions and opening of the cervix increase without provoking an increase in pain. First, these are the points on the back of the hand between the thumb and forefinger. The second point is located 4 fingers above the ankle bone, on the inside of the lower leg.
It is necessary to press evenly on these points for a minute, then take a break for a few minutes and repeat the movements again.
Belly massage
Performed during a contraction and helps the uterus to contract less painfully.
Gently run your palms and fingertips along the lower abdomen from the center to the sides and back. You can ask your husband about this, then he needs to stand behind you and, as it were, hug in the abdomen. You will feel not only pleasant stroking, but also feel comfortable and calm in the hands of a loved one.
Sacrum massage
This type of massage is the most effective and therefore the most popular.
Below the waist, you have the sacrum, in which all the nerve endings associated with the pelvic organs are concentrated. At the very beginning, the pain during contractions, while it is not yet strong, is similar to the sensations during menstruation, namely, it hurts and twists in the lumbar region.
If you massage this area, there is a violation of the transmission of nerve impulses from the uterus and back, and the pain recedes slightly.
Massaging can be done with one hand with any convenient part: knuckles, palm, base of the hand. The main thing is to provide intensity and some pressure, you can also rub this area. Of course, it is more convenient for your husband or another person to do it.
Also in this area there are 2 points, the pressure on which brings great relief. These are the so-called dimples above the buttocks, they contain the sacral nerve, and its pulsating stimulation leads to a real analgesic effect.
Pelvic bone massage
Its effect is similar to that of massaging the temples during a headache. There is a psychological effect of transferring the source of pain. It is necessary to massage the ilium, these are the bones of the pelvis, located on the sides below the waist. Rub these areas with both hands, and also run your hands from the ilium to the groin area, all this will improve blood circulation in the uterus.
Buttocks massage
There are very important points on the buttocks - the exit points of the sciatic nerve. They are located in the pits in the very center of the buttocks. If you massage them in the form of rolling with your fists or simply pressing with your finger, then this will relax the muscles of the pelvic floor. And, as you know, the speed of the entire process of childbirth depends on their correct relaxation.
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Thigh massage
There are many nerve endings on the inner side of the thigh. During the contraction, stroke this area from the groin to the knee, it is most convenient to do this while lying on your side and pressing your palm to the inside of the thigh. These sensations will have both anesthetic and relaxing effects.
Features of the massage during childbirth
Massage of the abdomen and all areas associated with the uterus should not be performed outside of contractions. This can provoke tension and, as a result, a new fight, and you certainly need rest. Therefore, in the intervals between contractions, it is better to completely relax. And if someone is nearby, have him give you a general relaxing massage in the cervical region. 
During childbirth, it is undesirable to lie on your back, this constricts the inferior vena cava and reduces the supply of oxygen to the baby.
As you know, doctors pay great attention to breathing during childbirth. It is not surprising, because it can greatly facilitate and speed up the process, while improper breathing can even harm the child.
At the very beginning of labor and between contractions, you need to breathe with full breast, using the diaphragm, which fills your lungs to the maximum. And shallow, doggy-style breathing helps relieve pain and increases the threshold for pain sensitivity. This breathing should be practiced during strong contractions.
In order to be born a baby, you have to work hard. And the sensations that a woman experiences in childbirth can hardly be classified as pleasant.
Meanwhile, unnecessary tension and pain can be easily relieved with a fairly simple massage.
To understand at what stage of childbirth you can resort to this or that massage technique, you need to understand that the whole process consists of two stages: hidden and active. The first one is characterized by weak contractions, so it is better for a woman to just rest and tune in to the further process. The second is characterized by strong and regular contractions, so that various breathing techniques, postures and massage will come in handy.
FACT!
Experienced midwives do not advise using creams during massage: they are quite oily and, being absorbed into the skin, leave behind unpleasant and interfering pellets. Instead of cream, it is better to take oil with you.
5 main massage points
Underbelly
It is this place in a woman in labor that can be the most vulnerable - there is an actively contracting uterus.
TYPE OF MASSAGE: stroking, rubbing.
HOW TO DO
Place both palms on the lower abdomen, where the pain is concentrated, and use your fingertips to stroke the skin from the center to the sides. Choose the pace yourself: some need only light touches, others - active rubbing. If this massage will be done by your partner in childbirth, it is better for him to sit behind the expectant mother and, hugging her arms, perform stimulation.
Sacrum, lower back
This is perhaps the most popular massage area used during contractions. Just below the lower back, in the sacral spine, is the sacral plexus - a very powerful nerve node responsible for the connection of the pelvic organs with the central nervous system. Stimulating the sacrum with massage movements at the time of the contraction, you can block the transmission of pain impulses to it.
TYPE OF MASSAGE: active rubbing, pressing.
HOW TO DO
The impact on this area can be carried out in various ways, but in any case, the force of stimulation of the sacrum should be significant, much stronger than the abdomen or neck. It can be rubbing or, with severe pain, active pressing movements produced by the fingertips, the entire palm, its rib or knuckles. The area of \u200b\u200binfluence can be limited only to the sacrum region or spread much wider, depending on which option provides maximum relief to the woman in labor. To prevent irritation on the skin in the massage area, you can first apply massage oil to it.
Iliac
Massaging the apex of the pelvic bones is a good red herring. It essentially transfers pain from a real source to an imaginary one, creating local discomfort. This is comparable to a massage of the temples for a headache - the discomfort quickly disappears.
TYPE OF MASSAGE: rubbing.
HOW TO DO.
If this is self-massage, then the woman can intensively, slightly pressing, stroke the lower abdomen with both hands, moving from the ilium down along the bikini line to the pubis.
Collar area
Your shoulders should be relaxed during labor. This will help the woman breathe rhythmically. Such breathing saturates the body with oxygen, which is necessary for the expectant mother and baby.
TYPE OF MASSAGE: kneading.
HOW TO DO
This massage is done by the woman's assistant in childbirth: he puts his hands on her shoulders and presses lightly. You can stimulate this area by smoothly descending from the shoulders to the elbows, or massage the area of \u200b\u200bthe shoulder blades in a circular motion. The pace and strength of the massage should be set by the woman in labor herself, having understood which movements soothe her breathing. Excessive pressure can, on the contrary, knock him down.
Buttocks
Under the gluteal muscles, where the sciatic nerve passes, there are effective reflex points. They are easy to find - they are located in the very center of each buttocks.
TYPE OF MASSAGE: pressure, rubbing.
HOW TO DO
The partner stimulates the buttocks in a circular motion using his fists: with the right - one buttock clockwise, with the left - the other buttock counterclockwise, or vice versa.
FACT!
Bathing and showering is also very helpful in helping the woman in labor to relax and relieve pain. Experts advise doing massage with a jet of water in circular movements in the lower abdomen, on the collar and lower back. Many expectant mothers prefer to be watered with a bucket during labor.
Massage rules
The ways to stimulate a particular zone of a woman in labor can be completely different - it all depends on her desires, well-being, on what exactly brings relief. However, there are still general massage rules.
- Where it hurts, we massage there. It is not necessary to study all the main points "according to the book". Stimulate the area where the pain is concentrated, only then will relief come.
- It is not always possible to find the place "X" immediately. The pain sometimes radiates to several places at once, it can feel that absolutely all parts of the body are aching. A woman in labor should not hesitate to ask her partner to try different massage, and the partner himself, in turn, should be proactive, but not persistent.
- Don't forget the oil. It is necessary so that there is no irritation on the skin after active rubbing, as well as to facilitate the massage movements themselves. In such a cosmetic product, you can add a few drops of essential oil with an analgesic effect: jasmine, bergamot, lavender, chamomile. But before using it, be sure to consult with an aromatherapist for advice on the right remedy. Essential oils are powerful drugs and can interfere with the natural process of childbirth, so you don't need to do it yourself.
- You can use the Lyapko applicator. This is a special massage roller that fits in the palm of your hand, which is applied to the centers of pain (usually on the lower back and sacrum). It creates a distracting effect: during the operation of the applicator, a constant weak electric current is generated, which has a physiotherapeutic effect.
Massage is a very effective, safe and enjoyable way to reduce the pain of contractions. During labor, you can use self-massage techniques, but it will be better if a loved one helps you. The assistant should prepare well and be sure to practice in advance. Massage has a beneficial effect on the condition of the pregnant woman, relieving back pain, so such workouts will be doubly useful. Starting from the third trimester, it makes sense to practice regularly and comprehensively in order to master the birth positions and do anesthetic massage in them.
What are we going to massage?
There is an area on the woman's body that is of particular importance for pain relief during labor. it « michaelis rhombus» ... If you look at the area of \u200b\u200bthe back above the buttocks, you can see the figure of a rhombus, the upper point of which corresponds to the V lumbar vertebra, the lower point to the beginning of the intergluteal fold, the lateral points to the fossa on both sides of the I – II sacral vertebra on the posterior lower spine of the ilium. Study the drawings with an assistant and find this area on your body. To memorize its location, try practicing pain relieving massage regularly. Then at any time you or your assistant can easily find the "right place" for the massage.
Anesthetic massage is especially effective when combined with birth positions... All postures and massage techniques can be studied in detail by watching our video tutorial, section "Birth positions and anesthetic massage."
How to massage
So, take any birthing position and start training:
- Massage with the pads of the thumbs of the fossa - lateral points of the Michaelis rhombus... The movements can be pressing and releasing or circular, try different ones and choose the ones that give you the most pleasant sensations. But practice everything, so during labor, your preferences may suddenly change. The impact can be quite strong or quite light - be guided by the wishes of the expectant mother.
- Point massage with two fingers of the sacral holes on both sides of the sacrum... These are the outer sides of the lower triangle of the Michaelis rhombus. It is most convenient to perform this technique with the middle fingers of both hands, symmetrically. Movement: pressing or circular, adjust the degree of pressure.
- Rolling fists on both sides of the sacrum, in the area of \u200b\u200bthe lateral points (pits) of the rhombus. Determine the most comfortable degree of pressure, during labor, be prepared to increase it.
- Fist massage in the center of the buttocks and in the region of the iliac crests;
- Michaelis rhombus massage with palms: Place one palm on the rhombus, press without shifting the skin, place the second palm on top of the first in a criss-cross pattern. You can press and release slightly, or you can just warm this area with your palms.
- "Opening" the pelvis with the palms - place two palms on either side of the spine on the diamond, then spread the bases of the palms outward, sliding along the skin.
- Pressing the "cups" of the palms on the pits - the lateral points of the Michaelis rhombus and their warming, massage with palms of the crests of the iliac bones;
- Pressure on the sacrum - Place the palm of one hand on the other and press on the sacrum, gradually increasing the force of pressure by five counts, and also gradually weakening the pressure by five counts. This technique will help with strong contractions.
- Sawing - rub the lower back and sacrum in a zigzag pattern with the edge of your palm - while inhaling - from top to bottom, while exhaling - from bottom to top.
What else can you do to relax and relieve pain during labor?
The Michaelis diamond is a very important but not the only area that can be massaged during childbirth. You may also like other tricks. Just try them too.
For instance, stroking the back with fingers and palms Between contractions, it relieves tension well and promotes better relaxation:
- stroking the back of the fingers of the back up along the spine and down on the sides;
- stroking with open palms on the back and hips
Pay special attention to the palms. Between the bases of the III and IV fingers is projection point of the uterus... By massaging this area, you can significantly reduce soreness at the peak of the contraction.
Try to make it easy facial massage with fingertips... This will give the expectant mother a pleasant feeling and distract a little between contractions.
Can knead your hands and feet with your palms; large muscles of the shoulder, thigh, buttocks, legs... This will warm and relieve muscle tension caused by contractions.
Husband in childbirth - what to do for the assistant
In conclusion, we give a few more recommendations for the assistant in childbirth. Your help is very important and necessary for the expectant mother. Be prepared for the fact that at some point any touch that has just brought relief may suddenly become unpleasant, and you will hear formidable "Don't touch!"... This is normal and completely natural for a woman in labor. After a couple of minutes, you may be asked to stroke here again, press harder there, etc.
Be patient, benevolent and sensitive to any wishes. Try to relax as much as possible and be positive. Let your heart be filled with love and your hands with warmth. Allow the woman to lead her birth by helping her and keeping her calm. The touch of the hands of a loved one will calm the expectant mother and help to relax better. This means that childbirth will be easier.
By training the massage in advance, you will be able to find your own techniques, and movements, strength and place of influence that are suitable only for you. Massage is also time for communication, an opportunity to get to know and understand your partner better. Try to get started today!
Here you can watch an excerpt from our prenatal education film on pain relief massage.
There are several massage techniques that can be used during the process of giving birth to a baby to facilitate this process for the expectant mother.
How and why does massage help?
Massage is one of the methods of natural pain relief during childbirth.The fact is that childbirth would be much less painful if a woman could relax during labor, no matter how strange it may sound.
The body is designed in such a way that it will not harm itself on its own, therefore, anesthesia mechanisms are provided in it. But they do not work when a woman tenses, all her muscles are in good shape, she is stressed and very nervous.
Massage helps to relax certain parts of the body that should not be tense. Thus, the level of pain will decrease.
Features of the massage during childbirth
During childbirth, it is necessary to massage certain points and places.A woman in labor can do this on her own, but a more convenient and appropriate option would be to ask an assistant - her husband or a loved one - about this.
It is better to learn the technique of massage during labor in advance, so that later, directly during childbirth, the woman or her partner would already know well what and how to do.
Stroking the belly
A woman can be helped to relax by stroking the abdomen: circular with one hand or from the middle to opposite sides with two hands. You can stroke it with the entire surface of the palm and with your fingertips. You should not press hard on your stomach.Stroking the lower abdomen
The lower half of the abdomen should be stroked with your palms in opposite directions from the center: put your palms in the middle of the lower abdomen, slide them to the sides.Lumbosacral massage
In the lumbar region, it is necessary to make pressing circular movements. They can be done with palms or fists. The intensity of this massage should be higher than when stroking the abdomen.Pelvic bone massage
Pressing your fists against the protruding pelvic bones can help relieve pain.Pressing the skin against the inner surface of the iliac crests
The ilium is the protruding pelvic bones on the sides that are located almost immediately below the belly.Place your hands on your lower abdomen, fingers down, towards your hips. Press the skin of the lower abdomen against the inner surface of the protruding bones.
Hydrotherapy - water massage
A bath or a massage with a stream of warm water in the shower helps to relax the entire body and relieve tension.But you can take a bath only before the water leaves.
