Application of Nonpharmacologic Methods to Relieve Pain during Labor: The Point of View of Primiparous Women

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the application of nonpharmacologic methods to relieve pain during birthing from the point of view of primiparous women. To achieve this goal, a cross-sectional study was developed with 188 primiparous women interviewed using a standardized form on the day they were discharged from the hospital. Results indicated that the most-used nonpharmacologic method was emotional support provided by the woman's companion (97.3%), followed by warm showers (91.5%); however, the highest degree of satisfaction derived from focused attention. In the assessment of the general degree of satisfaction with the methods studied, primiparous women experienced a high level of general satisfaction (88.3%). Significant associations between this result and changes in position (p = .0340, odds ratio [OR] 3.29, confidence interval [CI] 95% 1.13-9.52) and focused attention (p = .0326, OR 2.61, CI 95% 1.06-6.43) were observed. There was a significant association between the general score for satisfaction and the emotional support of an obstetrics nurse (p = .0096, OR 3.78, CI 95% 1.49-9.55), of the obstetrician (p = .0031, OR 3.74, CI 95% 1.5-9.33), and of the nurse's aide (p = .0303, OR 4.56, CI 95% 1.03-20.24). We concluded that in the obstetric center where the study was conducted, nearly all the nonpharmacologic methods available are being adopted by the members of the healthcare team, with the participation of a companion. However, those that generate the highest degree of satisfaction are not those most used.