Non-pharmacological pain relief<\/strong> involves relieving or blocking pain without drugs. The principle is based on stimulating sensory receptors in the skin<\/strong>, which can outcompete pain impulses<\/strong> from, for example uterus<\/strong> during childbirth.<\/p>\n It is a natural alternative<\/strong> to medical pain relief and is often offered as the first step in obstetric care.<\/p>\n When the sensory receptors in the skin are activated, for example by touch, heat or pressure<\/strong>, certain pain signals are blocked from reaching the brain. Genome breathing<\/strong> and distraction<\/strong> the birthing person can also turn their focus away from the pain and experience increased control<\/strong> of the situation.<\/p>\nHow does the method work?<\/h2>\n
This can reduce the pain experience or change it into something more manageable<\/strong>.<\/p>\nExamples of non-pharmacological methods<\/h2>\n
1. Heat<\/h3>\n
\n
2. massage<\/h3>\n
\n
3. yoga<\/h3>\n
\n
4. Psychological and social support<\/h3>\n
\n
5. relaxation and breathing exercises<\/h3>\n
\n
6. TENS (transcutaneous nerve stimulation)<\/h3>\n
\n
7. acupuncture<\/h3>\n
\n
8. Sterile tadpoles<\/h3>\n
\n
Fast facts<\/h2>\n