Relaxation Techniques During Labor

By: Edderlyn D. Lamarca Saint John Colleges

Purpose of Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation

is not just a passive activity, but an active, conscious release of tension. Doing physical relaxation techniques which release the voluntary muscles helps to reduce physical tension, reducing pain. It also can lead to a feeling of emotional well-being and security; this in turn reduces anxiety, which reduces our sensitivity to pain.

When to Use Relaxation Techniques

During

early labor, it is easy to remain relaxed. This is a good time to begin consciously working on relaxation to help develop a good pattern that will stay with you as labor becomes more intense. Partners can help you to identify tension early on so you can release it rather than holding it and building on it. The techniques can be used throughout labor.

Lamaze Childbirth Method

Lamaze

method is a prepared labor and delivery technique. It is often called psychoprophylactic method as it uses the mind (psyche) to prevent labor pains (prophylaxis).

The

Lamaze method of prepared childbirth is based on the gating control theory of pain relief. It involves concentration and conditioning to help the woman respond to contractions with relaxation from techniques thereby alleviating pain. This is based on the theory that through stimulus-response conditioning, women can learn to use controlled breathing to reduce the pain in the labor. Lamaze method is the most popular approach used to today.

Techniques and Methods

Cutaneous stimulation
(Touch Relaxation)

1. Effleurage

slow massage of the abdomen during contractions. The massage is done with just enough pressure to avoid tickling. The woman can perform effleurage using her fingertips and tracing a pattern on her abdomen. Massage and pressure on the palms and fingertips stimulate the large diameter nerves to decrease the ability of the small nerve fibers at the site of pain to transmit impulses.

2. Sacral Pressure
firm

pressure against the sacral area may help relieve strain on the sacroiliac joint. The partner (husband) can increase the pressure on the sacrum as soon as the contraction begins.

3. Thermal stimulation
application

of heat and cold stimulates the thermoreceptors thereby decreasing pain felt by the woman. This is done by wiping the womans face with cool cloths and ice chips offered to the woman for eating. In early labor a warm shower directed against the back may be soothing

4. Positioning
position

changes during labor also provides cutaneous stimulation. Ambulation and fowlers position makes contractions less painful. Changing position can be done every 30-60 minutes to increase comfort.

 Distraction
An impulse cannot register in the brain if it is distracted

1. Focal point

2. Imagery 3. Music 4. Breathing techniques

 Reduction of anxiety`
Can be achieved by:

Giving the woman idea of what to expect during labor Presence of a support person (husband)