Alberta Health Services
Health Information
Pain during pregnancy and childbirth is common. It often happens because of hormonal changes, body changes, and the hard work of labour. Some discomfort is expected, but there are safe, proven ways to help manage pain.
Options include physical therapy, medicines and epidurals. You can choose what works best for you and your birth plan.
Pain during pregnancy is common, but with the right care, it can be managed safely and comfortably.
It's normal to get aches and pains in your hips and pelvic area when you're pregnant.
It's important to know when to call your doctor or midwife. It will also help to know how to care for yourself at home when your pain is not caused by anything harmful.
The size and weight of a growing belly can change your posture and strain your back.
Round ligament pain is common during pregnancy. You may feel a sharp brief pain on one or both sides of your belly.
Your pain relief choices for childbirth may include medical and non-medical treatments.
Knowing what's available to help with pain can help you prepare for childbirth.
Ways you can comfort yourself and help relieve pain during labour without using medicines.
Spinal and epidural pain relief methods are used to block pain from a large area of the body
Nitrous oxide is a gas that is sometimes used during childbirth to help relieve pain. It won't put you to sleep.
Intravenous (I.V.) medicines may be used in childbirth to help with pain during labour.
