So What CAUSES Labor Pain? And What Can You DO About It? Linda J. Smith, BSE, FACCE, IBCLC CEA...
Transcript of So What CAUSES Labor Pain? And What Can You DO About It? Linda J. Smith, BSE, FACCE, IBCLC CEA...
So What CAUSES Labor Pain?And What Can You DO About It?
Linda J. Smith, BSE, FACCE, IBCLC
CEA Orange CountySeptember 2011
Causes of labor pain
• Muscle pain from the contracting uterus
• Bone pain from the baby moving thru the pelvis
• Tissue pain from stretching• Medical procedures – IV, monitors,
exams• Other?
Causes of Muscle Pain
• Inadequate fluid intake– A dehydrated muscle tends to cramp
• Inadequate calorie intake (glycogen)– Energy diverted to other muscle groups
deprives the uterus of energy–Muscles starved for energy tend to weaken,
cramp and/or contract ineffectively
• Inadequate oxygen intake– Screaming, breath-holding, chest
constriction
Solutions for muscle pain
• Fluid intake, preferably oral– ACOG position 2009
• Calorie intake, preferably easy-to-digest carbs and protein sources
• Oxygen intake: keep breathing!• Keep other muscle groups “out of
the way”–Use props, equipment – Conscious release of limbs, torso
PRACTICE TIME DEALING WITH MUSCLE PAIN
Causes of Bone Pain
• Cardinal movements of baby– Pressure on sacrum from the inside
• Malpresentation increases mechanical force on pelvic bones
Solutions to Bone Pain
• Gravity still works• Movement (yours)• Counterpressure on sacrum–What mom can do–What a partner/helper can do
PRACTICE TIME DEALING WITH BONE PAIN
Causes of tissue pain
• Unfamiliar sensation • Uncontrollable sensation• Lack of hydration• Lack of lipids in diet (?)
Solutions to Tissue Pain
• Gentle massage • Lubrication• Knowledge of what to expect and
duration
PRACTICE TIME DEALING WITH TISSUE PAIN
Causes of Pain from Procedures
• Needles piercing the skin• Belts constricting the belly / uterus• Attendant’s hands during exams
Solutions to Procedural Pain
• Negotiate ahead of time!• “And what are the other options?”• Topical pain relief for needle sticks• Intermittent monitoring• Limit exams
PRACTICE TIME DEALING WITH PROCEDURAL PAIN
Summary
• Muscle pain is predictable, has remedies
• Bone pain is predictable, has remedies
• Tissue pain is predictable, has remedies
• Procedural pain can be reduced, has remedies
THANK YOU!