This is a question I get asked a lot as a Physiotherapist, ‘Because I have so much pain now, will I have a really painful labour and birth’? Honestly, it’s not an easy question to answer but there is always a good and a bad in every situation and I always say ‘prepare for the worst but expect the best’……. and here’s how to do just that.
Understanding Pregnancy Pain:
There are usually two main culprits; Pelvic Girdle Pain (also referred to as PGP, Pubic symphysis dysfunction or SPD) and Lower Back Pain, (with or without Sciatica). The two conditions can be interlinked, one can cause the other or they can come on their own.
Both of these conditions tend to start around the middle of the pregnancy and gradually get worse as the baby grows and the mother becomes less active (usually a catch-22 situation where pain causes decreased activity and decreased activity causes more pain). Symptoms can be constant or just related to certain positions or movements and can range from mild to severe. Occasionally ladies are given aids like crutches or maternity support belts, to reduce their weight bearing and stabilise the pelvis when moving, these are temporary measures to help with pain and mobility until the baby is born.
Other common pain sources include:
Round Ligament Pain: This is another common source of pain during pregnancy, especially in the second trimester. It occurs as the round ligaments supporting the uterus stretch and thicken to accommodate the growing baby. This pain is usually sharp and on either side of the lower abdomen, but it doesn’t indicate anything about how the labour will go.
Braxton Hicks Contractions: Often called “false labor,” these are irregular contractions that can occur throughout pregnancy. They are said to be ‘the body’s way of preparing for labour’ but do not necessarily reflect the intensity of actual labour contractions or length of labour.
Main Factors Influencing Labour Pain:
- Individual Pain Tolerance: Every woman has a different pain threshold, which can significantly affect the perception of labour pain. Someone who experienced considerable discomfort during pregnancy may have a higher tolerance for labour pain. Or, on the flip side, someone who has had a lot of pain during pregnancy might be more sensitive to pain and therefore need help with pain relief. Past experiences in life can also play a role in sensitivity to pain (positively and negatively).
- Labour Position and Movement: The ability to move freely and adopt different positions during labour can help manage pain and current symptoms. Walking, swaying, or using a birthing ball can still ease labour pain, regardless of the pain experienced during pregnancy. Practice these things when you have your pain to see what works best for you (to avoid worry on the day).
- Support and Environment: Having a supportive birth partner, midwife, or doula, and being in a comfortable environment can help manage labour pain effectively. Emotional support and a sense of security can make a significant difference. I can’t reiterate the importance of practice when it comes to labour following a difficult / painful pregnancy, practice will help you to know what works and doesn’t work for you.
Mind-Body Connection
- Relaxation Techniques: Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, and mindfulness during pregnancy can help prepare for labour. These techniques can reduce anxiety and pain perception during labour that you might have because of your symptoms during pregnancy.
- Positive Birth Experience: Having a positive mindset and confidence in one’s ability to give birth can influence the experience of labour pain. Prenatal education and childbirth classes can equip mothers with knowledge and coping strategies. They can also help you to meet other people with the same symptoms as you which helps build confidence.
While pregnancy-related pains are a common aspect of the journey to motherhood, they don’t necessarily predict the nature or intensity of labour pain. Each woman’s labour experience is unique and influenced by various physical, emotional, and environmental factors. Understanding these distinctions and preparing with effective pain management strategies can lead to a more positive and empowered childbirth experience and remember, the majority of symptoms resolve shortly after birth.