When pain feels unmanageable
Pain in labour and after birth can vary, but if it feels unmanageable, unusual or you are not coping, you are allowed to ask for review and support.
You could say
“I am in severe pain and I am not coping. Please can my pain relief options be reviewed now?”
A birth partner could say
“She is in severe pain and is not coping. Please can her pain relief options be reviewed now, and can you tell us what is available and how long it may take?”
Follow up
“I understand pain can be part of labour, but this feels unmanageable. Please can this be reviewed and documented?”
Questions to ask
- · What pain relief options are available now?
- · What can be done while we wait?
- · Who can review this?
- · How long is the expected wait?
- · What should we do if the pain changes or becomes unbearable?
Trust the feeling. Ask again. Hear Her First helps you ask clear questions and seek further review if you do not feel reassured.