Sterile Water Injections: The Underrated Pain Relief in Labour

When I trained as a student midwife, I hardly ever heard sterile water injections mentioned.

Which is wild, really. Because this simple method can help so many women in labour.

So why is it still such a quiet option?

Let’s talk about it.

What are sterile water injections?

They involve four tiny injections of sterile water just under the skin of the lower back.

Nothing fancy. No drugs. No chemicals.

Research suggests they work using something called the gate control theory.

In simple terms, the sharp sting from the injections distracts the brain from deeper labour pain.

And that “distraction” can last one to three hours.

They are especially helpful for back labour.

If you know, you know.

Do they actually work?

Yes. And this isn’t just anecdotal.

A Cochrane review found sterile water injections significantly reduce back pain in labour compared to placebo.

Women also reported high satisfaction levels.

NICE guidance (2023) says sterile water injections may be effective for treating back pain in labour.

They also note that more research is needed on the best technique.

But effectiveness? That part is clear.

And the beauty of it?

They can be used alongside other pain relief like gas and air.

They may even reduce the need for an epidural.

What about side effects?

Very few.

No drowsiness.

No effect on baby.

No long recovery time.

The main downside is the sting when they are given.

Yes, it can be sharp.

But it lasts seconds.

And many women say the relief afterwards is worth it.

Who can give them?

All midwives are trained to give injections.

No special course needed.

No fancy equipment.

Even though sterile water injections are not always on hospital guidelines, midwives can administer them.

So access isn’t really the problem.

So… why aren’t they offered more?

Great question.

They are:

drug-free

cheap

quick

effective

safe

usable in any setting

And yet, many women never hear about them.

This product can help you feel more in control of your labour pain.

It can support you without taking away your clarity.

It serves women who want simple, low-intervention options.

And honestly?

It deserves more airtime.

The takeaway

Sterile water injections won’t suit everyone.

And that’s okay.

But you deserve to know they exist.

You deserve options.

And you deserve pain relief that works with your body.

Let’s start talking about it more.