Natural Pain Relief Methods for Childbirth

Many expecting women worry about the culmination of pregnancy—childbirth. What will it feel like? How bad will the pain be? Can I handle it? Being prepared with tools to cope can help instill confidence as your due date approaches and can create a more positive birth experience.

The pain that occurs during labor is caused by the contractions of the muscles in the uterus and the opening (dilation) of the cervix. It's often described as an intense cramping sensation in the belly, groin and lower back, sometimes radiating to the sides and thighs. It may start out feeling like menstrual cramps and then become much more intense, depending on the individual. Other sensations may include pressure on the bladder, the large intestines and the perineum as the baby's head descends.