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Manage pain during childbirth

(HealthDay News) -- Pain is a virtual certainty during childbirth, but there are ways to ease the discomfort without medication.

The following are no-medication possibilities:

• practicing relaxation and breathing techniques
• relaxing in a warm shower or bath, or getting a gentle massage
• receiving hot and cold therapy, including placing a cool washcloth on the forehead or a heating pad on the lower back
• seeking the care and support of a doula, nurse or loved one
• trying various positions to get more comfortable, from crouching to walking
• listening to soothing music
• using a labor ball.

Copyright: © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

First published: 01/27/2012
Last updated: 01/27/2012

Reviewed by: HealthDay, a service of ScoutNews, LLC