Breathing control training during labor pain is increasingly emphasized nowadays because, besides relieving pain during childbirth, it also helps increase the strength for pushing during delivery.
During labor contractions, the uterus will start contracting intermittently, tightening for about 1 minute and then relaxing every 5-10 minutes. At this stage, the pain is not severe. When it reaches the delivery stage, the uterus contracts for about 1 minute every 3-4 minutes, causing intense pain because the uterus contracts strongly to push the presenting part of the baby through the birth canal.
Therefore, mothers should start practicing breathing frequently from 6-7 months of pregnancy to become accustomed and use it effectively during labor pain. This is divided into 2 types according to the labor duration as follows:
Deep and slow breathing
This method is used from the early stage of labor when uterine contractions are not very strong. Deep and slow breathing should be used continuously until the uterus contracts so strongly that it becomes unbearable, then switch to the second breathing method.
Training method
- When the uterus starts contracting, breathe deeply and slowly into the lungs by counting 1-2-3-4-5, then slowly exhale through the mouth counting 1-2-3-4-5, maintaining this rhythm throughout the contraction (about 1 minute).
- When the uterus starts to relax and the pain decreases, take a full breath in and out once more, then breathe normally to complete one deep and slow breathing cycle. When the uterus contracts again, start the breathing from step 1.1 to 1.2 again.
Shallow, fast, and light breathing (candle-blowing style)
This method is used when labor pain becomes more intense, the cervix is dilated close to delivery time, and the uterus contracts more frequently and strongly.
Training method
- When there is a sign of uterine contraction, take a full breath in and out once.
- Then breathe in through the nose shallowly, quickly, and lightly 4-6 times consecutively, similar to panting.
- Exhale by pursing the lips and gently blowing air out through the mouth once, balancing with the inhalation, meaning the rate of inhaling equals the rate of exhaling each time. Continue this until the uterus starts to relax.
- When the uterus relaxes and the pain decreases, breathe deeply and slowly to relax and to provide more oxygen to the fetus.
