In the early stages of your labour, you might find your midwife recommending you take some paracetamol to help you to feel more comfortable.
But are there any potential side effects or risks of taking paracetamol in labour?
Research suggests that this common painkiller inhibits the production of prostaglandins.
The release of prostaglandins in the early stage of labour is really important to prepare the cervix for labour. The prostaglandins help to soften, ripen, thin and dilate the cervix.
The idea behind suggesting taking paracetamol is that it will take the edge of any pain, allow you to feel more relaxed and encourage labour to progress however paracetamol inhibiting the prostaglandin production could actually be responsible for encouraging the early stage of labour to be much longer than it needs to be.
What can you try instead?
- Sleep/Rest as much as possible.
- A Tens machine.
- Hypnobirthing/breathing techniques.
- Keep moving – using upright and forward-leaning positions.
- Essential oils.
- Take a shower/bath.
- Eat/drink freely.
For more top tips on how to cope with labour, visit my website JustExhale or my Instagram: Pregnancy Yoga & Hypnobirthing (@sallyjustexhale) • Instagram photos and videos
