Labour pain relief

We offer a whole range of pain-relief options during labour from the more natural and minimal through to stronger pain management, medication and procedures. Your own preferences, your birth plan and how your labour progresses will all shape the choices you make. Your options include:

Self-help techniques: There are some simple steps you can take that can make a big difference. For example, breathing exercises and massage can help you stay calm and manage early labour pain. It also helps to be in a comfortable environment, supported by your birth partner and your midwife. 

Gas and air – also called Entonox: Breathing in this mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide through a mouthpiece can help to take the edge off the strong cramping that can come with contractions. It’s safe to use at any time during your labour and it starts working and wears off quickly, so you always stay in control.

Pethidine: This pain-relief injection that can help you relax during labour, and it’s usually given during early or established stages. It can last a few hours and may make you feel drowsy or even nauseous. It may affect your baby’s breathing too, but this effect can be reversed by switching to a different medication. Rest assured that we’ll continually monitor both you and your baby and change medications at once if anything worrying arises. 

Epidural: At The Portland Hospital, we have a resident consultant obstetric anaesthetist on-site 24x7 in case you need an epidural during childbirth. An epidural is a type of local anaesthetic given through a thin, soft tube called a catheter in your lower back. It’s highly effective at numbing your nerves and it stays in place during labour offering the most effective, constant pain relief, with minimal effects on your baby.

An epidural takes about 40 minutes to start working, including the time it takes to insert the tube. Your anaesthetist may decide to give you a low dose of opioid instead of a local anaesthetic, or a combination of both. They can talk you through the options so you’re able to make the best decision for you.
Having an epidural slightly increases the chance that your obstetrician will need to use forceps or a suction cup, known as a ventouse, to help deliver your baby. Once the tube is in place it can usually be topped up with anaesthesia if your midwife recommends that you need an assisted delivery or caesarean birth.

Pain relief can help you to feel more in control, comfortable and relaxed during labour. Each option comes with its own benefits and potential side effects, and your midwife or consultant will explain these to help you decide. 

Some pain relief options such as gas and air are easy to use, have few side effects and can start to work straight away, although you’re still likely to experience some level of pain. An epidural offers stronger pain relief that doesn't make you feel drowsy, allowing you to experience childbirth while awake and in control.  

Whichever option you choose, you’ll be supported by your midwife or consultant throughout and any side effects will be closely monitored. The safety of you and your baby is always our number one priority.

Your choice of labour pain relief is highly personal, and it may be influenced by whether you’re likely to experience a complicated birth or by how your pregnancy or labour progresses. Your midwife or doctor can talk through what's available before hand, and you can also decide what feels right at the time. 

No two pregnancies or deliveries are the same so what might be right for someone else, might not be the best option for you. Our teams are here to advise you. It’s common for your plan to change as your labour progresses and our teams are highly flexible, compassionate and ready for any eventuality.