Pain relief in labour in Ireland

These answers come from the HSE pages listed at the end, checked on 5 November 2026. Every maternity unit is a little different, so your midwife is the person to ask about what is available where you are giving birth.

What pain relief can I have in labour in Ireland?

The HSE lists self-help methods, gas and air (Entonox), pethidine, an epidural and a TENS machine. Maternity units and home birth services differ in what they offer, so ask your midwife during pregnancy. Your needs can change as labour goes on, so it helps to know every option.

The HSE is clear that labour can be painful and that no method of pain relief is 100% effective. Your midwife can tell you what your maternity unit offers.

What can I do myself to cope with labour pain?

Learning about the stages of labour and going to antenatal classes helps. In labour, practise relaxation and breathing, keep moving and try different positions, using a birthing ball or other equipment. Have a birth partner with you for support, and try a bath or shower. Some hospitals have birthing pools.

If you do not have a birth partner, the HSE says your midwife will support you. Our guide to antenatal classes in Ireland covers when they start, what they cover and when to book.

How does gas and air work?

Gas and air, or Entonox, is half nitrous oxide and half oxygen. You breathe it in through a mouthpiece as a contraction begins, and it takes 15 to 20 seconds to work, so long, deep breaths help. You can use it at any time in labour. It eases the pain but does not take it away.

The HSE says gas and air has no harmful side effects for you or your baby. It can make you feel dizzy, light-headed or a little sick. If it does, stop using it and the feeling wears off quickly.

What is pethidine and how long does it last?

Pethidine is a strong painkiller, an opioid like morphine, given as an injection into your leg or bottom. It takes about 20 minutes to work and lasts 2 to 4 hours, and it may work better alongside other methods. It can make you drowsy, dizzy or sick, and it is not suitable for everyone.

If pethidine is given close to the birth, your baby may be sleepy afterwards. The HSE gives a history of epilepsy as one example of when it may not be suitable, so tell your midwife about your medical history.

What happens when you get an epidural?

An epidural is a local anaesthetic in your lower back. A drip in your arm first keeps your blood pressure steady. A needle places a thin tube near the nerves, the needle comes out, and the medicine goes in through the tube. It takes about 10 minutes to set up, then 10 to 15 minutes to work.

You will have a catheter to drain your bladder, which may stay in for up to 8 hours after the birth, and your midwife checks your blood pressure, as it can drop.

Does an epidural have side effects?

An epidural can make labour longer and lower your urge to push, and you may need forceps or a ventouse (vacuum) to help your baby out. Other side effects include a severe headache that can be treated, heavy legs, low blood pressure and pins and needles in one leg.

Your back may be sore for a day or two, but the HSE says an epidural does not cause long-term back pain. It has very little effect on your baby, though you may need to stay in bed and your baby will be monitored. If you need a caesarean, read our caesarean birth guide.

Does a TENS machine help in labour?

A TENS machine sends a gentle electrical current through pads on your back, which the HSE says helps your body make endorphins, its own natural painkillers. You control it with a small battery-powered handset. It works better if you start using it early in labour.

Check with your maternity unit whether it supplies TENS machines. If it does not, you may be able to rent or buy one, from many large pharmacies.

Can I use hypnobirthing, aromatherapy or acupuncture?

Aromatherapy oils in a massage, a bath, on a tissue or in a diffuser may help you relax, but the HSE says to talk to a qualified aromatherapist and your maternity unit first. Hypnobirthing, yoga, acupuncture and reflexology may be available privately, but your hospital may not offer them.

Talk to your midwife about any of these before your due date, so your maternity unit knows what you plan to use.

How do I put pain relief in my birth plan?

A birth plan is optional. In it you can list the pain relief you would like to try, from breathing, water and TENS to gas and air, pethidine or an epidural, or say that you would prefer none. The HSE says you may need more or less than you planned, so stay flexible.

The HSE suggests writing it after your antenatal classes and going through it with your midwife or obstetrician a few weeks before your due date. They sign it and keep a copy in your hospital record, and your birth partner should know what is in it.

Lullagram's pregnancy section keeps your birth plan with your bump diary and baby names, and has a contraction timer and a hospital bag list for the day itself. The pregnancy section is free and you can share it with your partner: open lullagram.ie/app. For when to go in, read signs of labour and when to go to hospital. This is general information from the HSE, not medical advice. If you are worried, call your midwife or maternity unit.