why we feel pain in labor and pain relief methods

[blue daisy]

ok now its hormones and how they affect the beautiful birthing woman

there are 3 main hormones that affect labor, the work of the uterus, and birth

1. oxytocin
known as the love hormone, as it is released in men and women during orgasm and nipple stimulation (yep thats why nipple stimulation can help induce labor).
This amazing hormone is released in large amounts during pregnancy, helping with nutrient absorbtion via the placenta and helping to reduce stress levels, plus also promoting sleep.
Oxytocin levels increase in the late stages of pregnancy, peaking...at the onset of labor...and is the hormone that is the key to stimulating the uterus to contract.
Oxytocin levels are highest between about 2-4am...which is why many women go into labor in the early wee hours (at term).
Oxytocin also facilitates the birth of your baby...immediately prior to birth oxytocin levels increase to stimulate powerful contractions...like is experienced in transition...to help birth the baby quickly and easily...another reason to not push until you have uncontrollable urge

2. endorphins
our body's natural opiate, which work by filling up pain receptor sites
endorpin levels rise in pregnancy...causing 'pregnancy' brain...and peak at 38-40 wks, just prior to the body going into labor

endorphins increase oxytocin and oxytocin levels increase endorphins

3. adrenaline
Released when we are fearful, anxious, stressed etc...
When adrenaline is released we 'fight or fly' and all non essential body systems are put on standby...which includes the uterus
If we are fearful in labor...adrenaline is released and blood is divereted away from the uterus...meaning the uterus gets less oxygen...meaning it has to work against itself...and starts causing discomfort
Adrenaline also negates endorphins...no natural pain relief hormones...and Adrenaline reduces oxytocin levels...contractions may slow down or stop

so whats this all mean?

we need to remain relaxed and calm to encourage endorphin release and allow our body (and oxytocin) to do the work it was designed to do...working with your body to birth your baby

adrenaline is not beneficial in early labor and has its place immediately prior to birth...adrenaline released in labor has a negative impact on the baby (decreases their oxygen supply and makes labor longer for them) and mother (labor longer/or disrupted...hence the term some of you may have heard 'failure to progress'...and contractions more painful as the uterus has to work harder and longer) adrenaline is however, released just prior to the birth of your baby (this is termed Maternal Fetal Ejection Reflex, first talked about my Dr Michel Odent) to increase maternal awareness, and promote an alert baby, which helps stimulate first breath and also first breastfeed

so why do we feel pain in labor?

so far
1. if the uterus has to work without oxygen
2. if we are fearful, which releases adrenaline and decreases endorpins (natural pain relief) and decreases oxytocin...meaning a longer labor and more chance of medical intervention


hope this makes sense
next...
brief outline for stages of labor

xx yogababy