Birth is one of the most important and difficult stages of any woman’s life not only because of the physical expectations but it constitutes of an immense psychological burden as well. Stress during labor is a normal thing but when it is excessive it can undermine the act of labor and the health of mother and child. According to the research, the stress of childbirth can lead to a spike of pain, increased durations of deliveries, or complications post birth. Thus, it is very important to be able to manage the child birth stress, and make the experience of child birth calmer and more positive for the mothers. In this article we will both consider the primary causes of labor stress and effective ways to minimize it.

Why can childbirth be stressful?

Among other fears, labor pain is one of the major pregnant women’s fears,  is one of the greatest causes of stress at this stage of life. This pain is normal and forms part of the birth process, but most women have a great fear of this pain because of other people’s experiences or misinformation. This fear can be strengthened by listening to other people’s birth stories or watching dramatic birth described in the media.

• Health concerns

Another big cause of stress during childbirth is health concerns by the mother and baby. Women, who have had to deal with high blood pressure, demand for gestational diabetes, or other pregnancy complications, may be more concerned than others.

• Fear of Complications of Childbirth for Mother

Some of the women are worried about risks of childbirth, i.e. uterine rupture, excessive bleeding, or timely cesarean section. Such concerns might be even without any problems during pregnancy, leading to labor stress.

• Fear for the health of the baby

Being worried by the appearance of baby is one of such factors that aggravate the experience of childbirth. The fears can range from breathing problem concerns in the baby, injuries during labor, to even fear of premature birth.

• Social and family pressures

Other pressures, derived from the expectations of the family and the community also can cause pregnant women stress. In many cultures there are expectations about how to give birth (vaginal delivery versus cesarean section) that mean pressure on the pregnant woman.

• Family Expectations

On occasions some women can be persuaded, although they would like to have caesarean, to have a vaginal birth or vice versa. In addition, having too many people in the hospital or delivery room, against the woman’s will, can increase her stress levels.

• Concerns related to social expectations

In some traditions, one’s experience of labour can be read as a woman success story, and a woman who cannot reproduce as the society or family expects will feel powerless or a failure. Such social pressures can have a negatively impact on one’s psyche and cause pressure mentally.

• Lack of psychological preparation

Lack of mental preparation and enough information regarding the birth process can be very stressing. Unprepared women most often suffer anxiety during labor.

• Effect of Lack of Awareness

Not knowing about stages of labour and not knowing what goes on during each of the stages can lead to fear and anxiety. Yet when a person has no idea when to go to the hospital, how to navigate labor pains, what the medical team can offer, this ignorance greatly contributes to increasing a person’s stress level.

• Lack of emotional preparation

Not all women may be psychologically ready to become the parents at all and that can exacerbate the effects of the birth. But even the worry of changes in life after baby birth or fear of taking care of the baby can also contribute to stressful feelings.

Strategies to reduce the stress of childbirth

In order to relieve stress during childbirth, there need to be focused on different aspects that may contribute to the improvement of the physical and mental condition of a pregnant woman. In the following, effective strategies are examined to reduce stress during pregnancy and during childbirth.

• Education and Childbirth Preparation

One of the foremost ways to relieve the strain of child-birth is to understand the stages of labor and prepare for it. Such trainings usually come in form of prenatal classes where the pregnant women are educated in the whole process of labor and techniques of coping with pain.

• The role of maternity classes

These classes enable the women to become acquainted with the concept of physical and psychological changes associated with child birth. Moreover, women can become aware of various means of pain relief, including such exercises as breathing and massage or usage of such techniques as mindfulness. This awareness of what takes place during child birth makes women feel less fear and anxiety.

• Introduction to the stages of childbirth

Teaching about various stages in labor (from the beginning of contractions until delivery of the baby) can help pregnant women understand what happens in every stage and what should be done about it. This preparation helps women to feel that they take more control over the birth process.

• Mental and physical exercises

Mental and physical exercises can relieve the mare of childbirth and increase the physical and mental health of pregnant women.

• Breathing Exercises and Meditation

Breathing exercises give women the ability to remain calm during contractions of birth. Deep, controlled breathing forces the body to focus on breath and relaxation instead of focus on pain. In addition, also, meditation and relaxation exercises can minimize anxiety and enhancing the concentration during labor.

• Yoga and physical exercises during pregnancy

Yoga for pregnant women is one of the best courses to strengthen the body flexibility and muscle required during childbirth. While yoga exercises also help improve circulation, they are able to reduce mental and physical stress. Other exercises like light walking and swimming can also do the same – help strengthen the body and relieve it from stress.

• Social and Family Support

The instrumental as well as emotional and social support from the family, friends, and and the doctor is crucial in greasing down the stress of childbirth.

• The spousal and family role

It is possible to help a pregnant woman out if she has a spouse or a family member. Those who support a pregnant woman can make her manage her stresses and worries more easily. Through prenatal classes, spouses can learn pain relief options, and help their wives during pregnancy.

• Professional support

The support of midwives, doctors as well as medical team is essential too. Pregnant women must feel that they are attended to like they are safest in the care of a highly professional team that knows them. Seeing specialists and seeking perinatal guidance can answer some fears and questions.

• Use of pain relief methods

There are various mechanisms of relieving labor pain which women benefit from.

• Natural methods of pain relief

Some natural methods, like massage, acupressure, and the use of heat and cold, help labor pain. These are not painkiller dependent techniques, and can help women handle natural labor pangs with ease.

• Use of painkillers

In other cases medication or procedures such as epidural anesthesia may be a good option for relieving pain. The women should consult to their doctor about these procedures and were to benefit if necessary.

Stress management techniques at the moment of delivery

The time of labor can be extremely stressful and the hard one to manage the stress and keep one calm. In this article, we will learn how to decrease stress at the time of delivery.

• Breathing exercises and relaxation techniques

Among various ways to cope with labor stress, it is possible to use the needed breathing exercises and relaxation techniques.

• Deep, controlled breathing

Deep breathing under control is one of the most effective practices for fixing stress and pain during childbirth. It is possible for pregnant women to boost their oxygen levels and relax more by being mindful of breathing and inhaling some deeply. Such exercises help relieve anxiety and distract a woman from pain.

• Relaxation techniques such as creative visualization

Women channel their minds to soothing visuals, instead of the mental pressure of childbirth by employing creative imagination. Creating a picture of a quiet place, or a nice moment helps to diminish the stress and anxiety.

• Focus on the goal and outcome of the birth

One of the ways to minimize the stress of childbirth is to concentrate on the ultimate goal of childbirth; that is to have a baby. The pregnant woman should understand that children come after a lot of pain and suffering in labor, but this pain and suffering is temporary, and the result is pleasant.

• Focus on the joy of the birth of a baby

If women focus on joy and the moment the baby is born, they will be more motivated to go through the labor process. These positive thoughts excite women to action and moves them through their stresses and worries.

• Developing a positive picture of childbirth

Women whose mind pictures their childbirth positively tend to have less stress. Such Women are able to lessen their concerns and enjoy better while attending to the good side of giving birth such as the first time the baby is hugged.

• The presence of a reliable companion by the mother’s side

Accompanied during labor by a spouse ora family member the pregnant woman can experience stress reduction and comfort increase.

• The role of a reliable companion

At childbirth, having an accompanying trusted person makes the woman feel supported and safe. This companion can make the pregnant woman feel more relaxed by massaging or the soothing words or even making the breathing exercises. Companions can also be an intermediary for the pregnant woman between her and the medical team to communicate to the medical team the needs of the woman.

• The presence of an acquittance in the delivery environment

Birth environment may be stressful to women most especially if it is a hospital and strange environment. The fact of the presence of a familiar and confident person in this surrounding allow the pregnant woman to feel more relaxed and confident and to go through the birth process with more confidence.

Final Thoughts

Childbirth is a wonderful and very life-giving experience in every woman’s life, which can be one of the best most enjoyable moments with physical and psychological preparation. Understanding the reasons of labour stress and using appropriate strategies, every woman can pass this period more comfortably.  Remember that your body is prepared for this moment, that you have a chance, strength to get through it. All challenges are only temporary and when it’s over, you will have a healthy baby and indescribable happiness. With confidence, you have support of those surrounding you, and focus on a final goal, childbirth can be positive and empowering process. Soon you will become You will be a wonderful mother, and this hard way will take you to a sweet moment.

Resources

Interventions to treat fear of childbirth in pregnancy

Preventing posttraumatic stress disorder following childbirth

Preventing post-traumatic stress disorder following childbirth and traumatic birth experiences