E] Comfort Measures During First Stage of labour:

The primary treatment required is assistance with comfort measures and what each mother finds comforting is very individual. During pregnancy women are educated on measures of pain relief during labour. Having comfort measures to refer to will be useful and reassuring for most women in labour. Reassurance is important, as a way of relieving stress during labour as this assists the progression of labour with less pain. Many women find it helpful to have an experienced relative of their choice to provide comfort, reassurance, and information.

As pain and discomfort increases, women may be tempted to request pain medication. Administration of pain medication should be done regardless of the stage of labour. Injectable, narcotic pain medications are available. They can be given by either intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) routes. When given intravenously, the effects are felt sooner and are shorter in duration. These medications are more likely to affect the fetus, and should be administered with caution. Mothers may experience side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness and may, therefore, have a negative attitude towards the pain medication.

Women who use the breathing exercises learnt during the antenatal period find that these can help to cope with the pain experienced during this phase. Some women say that their pain is not greatly diminished, but that they are better able to rest between contractions.

1.Massage Therapy
Some women find massage or therapeutic touch to be quite relaxing during labour. Contractions are sometimes felt quite intensely in the back, and a combination of massage and counterpressure can offer relief. Gentle touch and massage of any area that appears tense will help to relieve stress. This is a good technique to practice before labour begins.