What is counter pressure during labor?
So, your due date is just around the corner, and you may be looking into some pain-relieving techniques for labor. In this blog, we’re answering the question, what is counter pressure during labor?
This blog includes:
- Preparing for labor
- What is counter pressure during labor?
- Counter-pressure for back pain techniques
- How to use counter pressure during back labor
- Counter-pressure positions for laboring women
- How does counter-pressure work?
- When can counter pressure be used?
- Hydrotherapy during labor
Preparing for labor
There are many things you can do to help you prepare for your baby’s arrival. Many women choose to attend antenatal classes. These classes can help you to meet new people and learn techniques for pregnancy and childbirth.
Antenatal classes are usually available from around week 10 of pregnancy up to week 32. You’ll learn how to stay healthy and some options for your birth.
Some antenatal classes can also help you with after the birth of your baby. For example, teaching you how to feed your baby and look after yourself after birth.
Pregnancy and giving birth can be an emotional time, so getting some advice on dealing with these feelings can be good. Remember that you’re never alone, and there is always someone to talk to.
You may wish to create a birth plan, and a healthcare professional can help you with this. You will need to also allow for some flexibility with your birth plan. At the end of the day, the safest options should be chosen for you and your baby. You might be wondering, is nausea a sign of labor?
What is counter pressure during labor?
Counter-pressure is a labor technique that can be used to relieve pain during labor, specifically back and pelvic pain. Many people suffer from back pain while they are giving birth due to the increased pressure on the area of the body.
When suffering from bad back pain in labor, it is often labelled as ‘back labor’. If you’re in the hospital, they may advise various pain-relieving methods. This type of labour occurs due to the position of your baby. Most of the time, it happens because the baby is in a posterior position.
You may experience back pain around your tailbone and sacrum as the baby’s head moves down. The great news is that counter-pressure techniques can be completed by your birth partner. They will need to research the best techniques to perform it safely.
Using the technique can help to reduce the intensity of your contractions and help to take your mind off the pain.
You should check with a healthcare professional before trying these methods to ensure they are safe for you and your baby.
Counter-pressure for back pain techniques
Generally, a counter-pressure technique involves someone using the palms of their hands to increase pressure on the back. If pain is targeted on one side of the back, both hands can be used there to help even more. Most people find the pain is located at the centre, so increasing pressure there can help.
There are various ways that you can apply counter-pressure. You can keep moving the hands, allowing for a massaging technique, or you can simply keep the hands still.
How to use counter pressure during back labor
It can be a good idea to try out some positions before you go into labour. There are a few options you may want to consider. Some pregnant women find kneeling using their hands and knees a comfortable position.
Other women may wish to be sat down on a flat surface or a birth ball during active labor. It’s entirely up to you and what feels right for you to control pain.
Some women may also experience pelvic pain. When experiencing pelvic pain during labour, you could try using counter-pressure techniques lower down the body. For example, just above the glutes.
Counter-pressure positions for laboring women
- Mother in table-top position, birthing partner squeezes hips
- Mother in table-top position, birthing partner to press sides of the pelvis
- Laboring woman in a table-top position, birthing partner presses the centre of the back or on both sides (double hip squeeze)
- Birthing woman in kneeling position facing forwards, birthing partner presses the centre of the back and puts pressure on the hip to come towards them
You may find that some of these methods help you during back labor, and some people may find they all do. If none of them help, try not to worry, there will be plenty of options for you to choose. Speak to your birth team about your options during childbirth.
Attending antenatal classes may help you to discover ways to relieve pain during labour. It’ll also give you a chance to speak to others who may have already been through labour.
It’s a good idea to have a little practice of these positions before you go into labour. You may find they even provide some relief around the lower back during pregnancy. You don’t need to wait until contractions start for them to provide pain relief.
How does counter-pressure work?
Counter-pressure techniques should begin when a contraction does. The technique should continue to be used until the contraction has finished. During labour contractions, the uterus pulls upwards, which allows the cervix to dilate.
As you can imagine, this can cause intense pain during labour. A counter-pressure technique works by reducing the tension in surrounding ligaments, acting as a pain relief.
Having a birth partner close to you and engaged with your labour can help you feel more at ease and create a relaxing environment. Essentially, as the baby pushes down on your body, the pressure methods help to push back to reduce your pain.
When can counter pressure be used?
You might be planning ahead and thinking you definitely want to try these techniques in labour, which may help you. Here are some good times to use the techniques if the mother wants to.
- When experiencing back pain in labor
- When experiencing pelvic pain in labor
- When dilating – particularly during active labor
Counter-pressure may be effective at relieving some pain during these times. You can always give it a go and see if it benefits you.
It’s important to remember that your birth plan may not always go as planned. However, you may still be able to incorporate these pressure techniques into your labour.
Hydrotherapy during labor
Some women choose to bring water into their birthing methods. This could either be through a water birth or by incorporating hydrotherapy. During a water birth, the baby is born underwater. However, during hydrotherapy, the baby is born without being in water.
You will need to check that hydrotherapy is safe for you during labour. A healthcare professional will be able to give you the best advice. It’s very important that you check.
Hydrotherapy can be used during labour to help the mother to relax. Sitting in warm water can help to reduce pains associated with contractions. Some women may choose to use hydrotherapy during labour as well as counter-pressure.
It’s completely up to you which pain relief methods you try during labour. Some may work well, and others may not have much of an effect. All you can do is wait until you are in labour and see what works in the moment.
We hope this blog has been useful regarding counter-pressure during labor. There are many options that you can try to support you with pain relief during labour. Good luck with your newborn’s arrival – we hope you have a positive birth experience!
Hey there, I’m Abigail!
In 2022, I graduated with a First Class Degree in Marketing and since then, I have been working as a blogger and Marketing Assistant. Before heading to university, I also achieved a BTEC in Children’s Play, Learning and Development.
I have been blogging for over four years and have covered many topics during this time. My focus has been on pregnancy, babies, sleep and baby name ideas.
I am passionate about learning new things and helping others. I hope that you find my blogs useful and informative. See you in the next article!