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Women who haven't experienced the moments of labor always wonder 'how painful is natural childbirth'? However, those who have given birth often answer 'indescribable.' So, how terrifying is the pain of childbirth really?
The 'indescribable' pain
According to scientific data, the human body can endure a maximum of 45 pain units (del units). However, during vaginal delivery, mothers have to endure up to 57 pain units, equivalent to the sensation of breaking 20 bones at once. This figure demonstrates the extraordinary resilience of women! It also means that if you don't give birth, you'll never experience a pain similar to this throughout your life.
'The labor pains are truly terrifying, unlike any pain I've ever experienced. I grit my teeth and endure, sometimes screaming out loud,' shared a mother who went through natural childbirth.
Another young mother even declared: “I swear I won't give birth again. The pain of childbirth is horrendous; I've never experienced such intense pain. Enduring three days of pain before my son was born. Don't know who he takes after to be so stubborn.”
However, in reality, each person's childbirth experience is unique. This is why the pain of labor varies greatly. Many mothers go through a challenging ordeal, facing the agony of labor. Yet, there are others who undergo a relatively straightforward birthing process.
Some sisters have shared: “Despite hearing horrifying descriptions of labor, when it was my turn, it felt surprisingly gentle. At 7 in the morning, I started feeling contractions, but they were as mild as the discomfort before getting my monthly period. Only the last hour was more intense, and I only had to push three times as instructed by the doctor for the baby to arrive”.
Why does labor hurt?
The uterus, the organ that houses the developing baby, plays a crucial role in childbirth. As the delivery approaches, the uterus contracts, causing the pain of labor. This pain depends on factors like the strength of contractions (increasing as the due date approaches), the size of the fetus, the baby's position, and the speed of labor pain.
During the labor process, it's not just the abdominal region; expectant mothers also experience intense pain throughout the body, especially in the pelvic bone, lower back, perineum, bladder, and intestines. All these areas compress to intensify the pain, preparing for the baby's arrival.
Experience of 'Painless Natural Delivery'
If you've decided to face natural childbirth, mentally prepare yourself for the battle because all supportive methods only alleviate some of the pain. Don't rely on them to reduce your determination to overcome labor.
Think that hundreds of thousands of women have successfully gone through it, so why can't you?
Drink basil water to shorten labor duration
Learn from the experience of those who came before, when intense labor pains arise, quickly ask your husband or a relative to prepare a pot of basil water for you to sip gradually upon entering the hospital. Basil water helps the cervix open more easily, and its effectiveness varies from person to person and different body types.
Join prenatal classes
If time allows, expectant mothers can participate in prenatal classes to understand what might happen during labor. In these classes, pregnant women will be guided on breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, as well as the correct breathing for pushing during childbirth to make the process easier. Proper rhythmic breathing is especially crucial during labor to help mothers maintain energy and facilitate childbirth.
Contact the birthing assistant in advance
As one mother shared, a month before giving birth, I contacted a reputable hospital and the person who would support me in every aspect during labor. I had a conversation with my midwife beforehand for her to understand the current situation of the baby and the mother. Familiarity and understanding with my midwife helped boost my confidence and provided much-needed reassurance.
Opt for epidural anesthesia
In challenging situations where the pain becomes unbearable, women can choose painless delivery through epidural anesthesia or a cesarean section.
However, these methods are not encouraged as natural childbirth remains the best option for both mother and baby.
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As per Vietbao.vn
