Breathing in Labor

Breathing technique during labor and delivery will promote relaxation and oxygenation.

FIRST STAGE LABOR BREATHING

Cleancing Breath
Each contraction begins and ends with a deep inspiration and expiration.

Slow Paced Breathing
It is used as long as possible during labor, and promotes relaxation

Modified Paced Breathing
Breathing is shallow and fast, and it is used when slow paced breathing is no longer effective.
Pattern Paced Breathing (pant blow)
After a certain number of breaths, the client exhales with a slight emphasis or blow, and then begins the modified paced breathing.


Breathing to Prevent Pushing
Encourage client to blow repeatedly using short puffs when the urge to push is strong.

SECOND STAGE LABOR BREATHING

Traditional Pushing
The client takes on or more cleansing breaths at the beginning of a contraction and then hold it, pushing as hard as she can for as long as possible. Then quickly exhales, takes another breath and pushes again, repeating the process until the contraction is over.

Other Pushing Methods
The client exhales small amounts of air through an open glottis during pushing.
The client pushes in short bursts only when the urge is strong instead of using prolonged expulsive efforts.