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Nonmedical Options for Pain Relief in Childbirth

Table of Contents


Overview

You can try nonmedical options that can help with pain during childbirth. Some examples include breathing in a rhythm and getting a massage. You can also do things to distract yourself, such as reading, walking, or listening to music. For some people, these work very well.

What are some examples?

Nonmedical pain relief includes:

What are the risks of nonmedical pain relief options?

Most nonmedical pain relief options for childbirth are safe. But for some people, they may not offer enough pain relief. Talk to your doctor or midwife about which techniques you plan to use. Depending on your health and how your labor goes, some methods may be safer and work better for you.


Credits for Nonmedical Options for Pain Relief in Childbirth

Current as of: July 10, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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