Five ways to ease your labour pain:

Epidural – This is where the drugs are injected into your spinal cord and it blocks all of the pain. This can slow down your labour and you will not be able to push with the contractions.

Water – This can allow you to move into a comfortable position and may speed your labour up. A bath or birthing pool can aid your relaxation and ease the pain.

Tens Machine – This is used in the early stages of labour.  You attach pads to your back and tiny electric pulses are emitted. The pulses interfere with the pain signals and you are able to control the strength using a controller.

Gas and Air – You inhale the gas at the start of your contraction and it takes roughly 20 seconds to take effect can be used from the early stages of labour.

Pethidine – This is an injection and takes effect after approximately 15 minutes. This can make you feel a little light headed.