Women will go to great lengths to avoid giving birth. Some even undergo surgeries such as hymen repair, vaginal mesh, or labia reduction in order to reduce the pain of childbirth. Whether it’s because of Hollywood movies, idealistic views of parenthood, or just the constant nagging from well-meaning friends and family members, many women have an inaccurate view of what it means to give birth. It is widely believed that there is no other experience that can compare to the pain of childbirth. After all, you are tearing apart your own flesh (as well as your partner’s) in order to squeeze a small human being out through a canal that is much smaller than their head. Even if you’ve never gone through with having kids before, even if you’re still not sure about having kids at all… that sounds like it would hurt like hell!
What is More Painful Than Giving Birth
Childbirth: The Basics
The process of labor and childbirth can vary greatly from person to person. Some women only experience a few hours of mild pain, while others spend days in excruciating agony. For the purposes of this article, we will refer to “childbirth” as labor and delivery combined, unless we’re referring to the specific stages of labor.
Hand Surgery
This one is debatable, but it’s definitely up there as far as pain is concerned. Hands are very sensitive, which is why Botox injections have become so common. People like having hands that aren’t so wrinkly! But when it comes to surgery, your hands are incredibly sensitive. Hand surgery is an elective surgery (meaning that it is not necessary for your health) that is often used to treat a variety of conditions. These include joint diseases, nerve compression, and fractures.
Kidney Stone Removal (Nephrolithotomy)
Nephrolithotomy is a procedure used to remove kidney stones. It isn’t exactly the most comfortable of experiences, but the worst part is having to wait for the stone retrieval to be over. It usually takes between one and two hours, but you’re awake for the whole thing. Kidney stones are small deposits of minerals that form inside the kidneys. Most stones are made of calcium, but other substances, like uric acid or cystine, can also form stones. They are usually not harmful but can lead to severe pain and other complications if left untreated.
Bullet Tattooing
Bullet tattooing is an extreme body modification procedure that involves inserting a medical-grade micro-needle almost all the way into the skin. People use it as a cheaper alternative to piercings and tattoos. Bullet tattooing is a new and experimental procedure. While a lot of people are curious about it, few people have actually tried it. It is not approved by medical authorities and has been linked to infections and allergic reactions. There are two ways to perform bullet tattooing. One is to push the micro-needle into the skin and then insert a small ink capsule so it comes out the other side. The second way is to push the micro-needle in and then squirt some ink out.
Labia Reduction and Thinning
Labia reduction and labia thinning are cosmetic surgeries designed to reduce the size of the labia. In the most extreme cases, the labia minora is trimmed off entirely. Labia come in all shapes and sizes. However, many women feel uncomfortable with the size or shape of their labia and seek treatment from a cosmetic surgeon. While it is a very common procedure, it is also controversial. Many worries that women are undergoing labia reduction for the wrong reasons. Some research has shown that women who undergo labia reduction may experience sexual discomfort. Researchers are not sure if this is due to the size of the labia before the operation, or if it is because of the way the surgery is performed.
Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery is a common surgical procedure that is used to treat knee pain caused by arthritis. Knee pain can be debilitating, especially as you get older. It is a procedure that is often performed as a last resort. The choice to go under the knife is often driven by pain, not a necessity. When arthritis affects your knee, the cartilage that normally cushions the joint becomes damaged and worn away. There are many different types of knee replacement surgeries.
Ear Lobe Shaping (Millimeter Ear Shaping)
Ear lobe shaping is a cosmetic procedure used to groom the ear lobes. It is often used to reduce the size of the ear lobes, which typically swell up after multiple ear piercings. Ear lobe shaping is done using one of three methods: clipping, freezing, or cutting. The most common method (and the least painful) is clipping. The procedure simply involves clipping the excess skin away. Any blood that is visible will stop flowing in a few minutes. Ear lobe shaping is often combined with ear lobe repair (if the holes have stretched over time). Ear lobe shaping is not recommended for people who plan to get more ear piercings.
How do reduce pain while childbirth?
- Never give up.
- Walk as much as possible.
- Elevate your legs while resting.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes and a loose bra when you are active (elevate the breasts).
- Eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water (avoid alcohol).
- Avoid soft, rubbery, or spongy materials like bubble wrap for your bedding or mattress, plastic bags, and pillows filled with cotton or feathers (these are all very hard on the body).
- Avoid sleeping on your back if possible, instead try to sleep on your side or stomach where there is little pressure on the spine and it’s easier to breathe, which will help reduce swelling in the legs and lower back area.
- Don’t wear tight pants or jeans, loose pants and pants that fit well are the best to wear.
- Avoid wearing shoes with a lot of laces, they can cause you to arch your back which can cause pain during labor and delivery.
- Exercise regularly to keep the muscles strong and flexible so you can use them during labor and delivery to help reduce pain in your lower back and legs.
Conclusion
Childbirth is often viewed as this excruciatingly painful experience that only the strongest of women can endure. While it may be uncomfortable, painful, and challenging (especially if you have a condition such as SPD), it is also an incredible experience and one that everyone should be able to enjoy, regardless of their pain tolerance. By reading this article, you now know what other experiences are more painful than childbirth. Hopefully, this knowledge will stop people from pressuring women into giving birth. You should never suffer through childbirth only to satisfy the expectations of others.
FAQs:
Q: Will I be able to breastfeed?
A: Yes. It is possible to breastfeed while wearing a C-section scar. If you are having a vaginal birth and have a C-section scar, it is best to breastfeed immediately after delivery by using the mother’s breast as if it were still in the hospital.
Q: Can I wear regular clothes while having a baby?
A: Yes. You can wear your regular clothes after giving birth, including nursing bras, dresses, jeans, and other clothes that you would normally wear. Make sure that the clothes are loose-fitting so that they do not dig into your incision or cut off circulation after an episiotomy (a cut made during labor). Do not wear any tight-fitting clothing like jeans or shorts because this will limit blood flow to the wound and cause it to heal more slowly.
Q: Can I put my baby on me immediately after giving birth?
A: No. You should wait at least 24 hours before putting your baby on you. For some women, this is up to 48 hours later depending on how well their healing process went and how much pain they were in during labor and delivery. If you have any concerns about your wound healing properly or if there are any signs of infection, call your doctor immediately for further instructions on what step of the healing process you should be at that time.
