Which intervention should be encouraged during labor to help manage pain?

Encouraging position changes during labor is a vital intervention for managing pain. Different positions can help relieve discomfort by utilizing gravity, improving pelvic alignment, increasing uterine contractions’ effectiveness, and facilitating fetal descent. Movement and position changes can also enhance maternal comfort by distributing pressure more evenly throughout the pelvis and lower back, thereby alleviating pain associated with contractions.

In contrast, continuous fetal monitoring, while important for assessing the baby's status, does not directly address pain management during labor. Fasting to ease discomfort is not beneficial; in fact, it can lead to dehydration and low energy levels, which can exacerbate the distress associated with labor. Similarly, limiting fluid intake can result in dehydration and a negative impact on both maternal and fetal well-being, further complicating the labor process.