Change from Traditional Remedies

          Women have been using a variety of remedies to help ease labor pain for centuries. Traditionally, herbal remedies were used in teas, infusions, or tinctures. Acupuncture has also been used to alleviate pain and discomfort during childbirth for thousands of years.

          Massage therapy has been around since 3000 BC, when it was first used as an alternative treatment for infertility issues in women. In addition to these more traditional methods, women today are turning towards essential oils that can be inhaled or rubbed on their skin to promote relaxation during childbirth and reduce stress levels throughout pregnancy.

         To ease some of the more unpleasant symptoms associated with pregnancy-such as heavy bleeding during menstruation (known as menorrhagia) and constipation-women may reach for heat pads.