Pain Relief Options During Labour — What You Need to Know
Every birth is different, and so is every woman’s experience of labour. In Australia, we are lucky to have a range of pain relief options to choose from — both natural and medical.
Here’s a guide to the most common choices, so you can decide what might work best for you.
1. TENS Machine (Drug-Free Option)
A TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) machine sends gentle electrical pulses to the nerves through pads placed on your lower back. These pulses help block pain signals and encourage your body to release endorphins — your natural painkillers.
Benefits:
Drug-free and safe for both mum and baby
You control the settings
Can be used at home in early labour
No side effects
Availability:
You can hire a TENS machine in Australia privately (like through our Hervey Bay hire service) and bring it with you to hospital.
2. Gas and Air (Entonox)
Often called “the gas,” Entonox is a mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen. You inhale it through a mouthpiece during contractions.
Benefits:
Works quickly
You control when you use it
Wears off rapidly once you stop breathing it in
Things to Know:
Some women find it makes them dizzy or light-headed.
3. Pethidine or Morphine (Injectable Pain Relief)
These are opioid-based painkillers given via injection into your thigh or buttock.
Benefits:
Can help take the edge off strong contractions
May help you rest between contractions
Things to Know:
Can cause drowsiness or nausea
May affect baby’s breathing if given too close to delivery
4. Epidural Anaesthesia
A small tube is inserted into your lower back to deliver continuous pain relief directly to the spinal nerves.
Benefits:
Often provides complete pain relief
Can help in long or complicated labours
Things to Know:
Requires an anaesthetist
You’ll be unable to walk and will need continuous monitoring
May lengthen the pushing stage
5. Water Immersion (Birthing Pool or Bath)
Labouring in warm water can help relax muscles and ease discomfort.
Benefits:
Non-invasive and drug-free
Can help you feel calm and in control
Things to Know:
Not all hospitals or birth centres have birthing pools available.
6. Hypnobirthing and Breathing Techniques
Focuses on relaxation, breathing, and positive visualisation to reduce pain and anxiety.
Benefits:
No side effects
Can be used alongside other methods like TENS
How to Choose What’s Right for You
Every woman’s pain threshold, birth plan, and medical situation is different. Many start with natural options like TENS and breathing techniques, then move to medical interventions if needed.
Tip:
Discuss your preferences with your midwife before labour, and have your chosen tools (like your TENS machine) ready to go by 36 weeks.
Need a TENS machine in Hervey Bay?
We provide affordable hire kits with everything you need — delivered to your door so you can have it ready for labour. Book now to avoid last-minute stress.
