Severe Labor Pain Research Articles

A Comparative Study To Assess The Anxiety Related To Pregnancy And Delivery Of The Baby Among Primigravida Mothers In Selected Rural And Urban Areas Of Maharashtra

Primigravida mothers are those who conceived for the first time. There are many changes occur during the pregnancy that make them very stressful. And respond to this stress by feeling anxious which may be influenced on the woman herself and her baby. As anxiety and fear of childbirth may cause many complications such as severe labor pain, postpartum depression, and impaired mother–fetus attachment. Many studies support the hypothesis that pregnancy-related anxiety is strongly linked to postpartum depression, preterm births, low birth weight, fetal growth restriction, pregnancy complications, and negative infant outcomes. Purpose: Comparative study to assess the levels anxiety among rural and urban primigravida mothers planned for normal vaginal delivery and caesarean section.Methods: The levels of anxiety assessed by using 17 items self-structured anxiety assessment tool related to pregnancy and delivery of the baby. Data was collected from 60 samples, in that 30 from rural and 30 from urban. Data was analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics Result: Rural mother result shows that 63.33% of them have moderate level and 36.67% mothers have severe level of anxiety. Average anxiety score of mothers in selected rural areas was 31.93 with standard deviation of 4.54 and in urban area 3.33% mother have mild anxiety, 93.33% of them have moderate level and 3.33% mother have severe level of anxiety. The average anxiety score among primigravida mothers in selected rural areas was 31.93 with standard deviation of 4.54. The average anxiety score among primigravida mothers in selected urban areas was 25.63 with standard deviation of 4.03. The test statistics value of unpaired t test was 5.68 with p value 0.00. The p value less than 0.05, hence reject null hypothesis and accept alternative hypothesis. It shows, significant difference in levels of anxiety towards pregnancy and delivery of baby among primigravida mothers in selected rural and urban areas of Maharashtra.Conclusion: This study concluded that rural primigravida mothers having more anxiety than the urban primigravida mothers related to pregnancy and delivery of the baby.

The effect of interventions in vaginal birth on fear of childbirth: A multicentre study.

This cross-sectional multicentre study aimed to determine the effect of interventions during vaginal birth for fear of childbirth. In this cross-sectional and analytical study, 852 women who had a vaginal birth between 2019 and 2020 were enrolled. Data were collected using the Descriptive Questionnaire and Wijma Birth Expectation/Experience Scale Version B. The mean total Wijma Birth Expectation/Experience Scale Version B score of the women was 97.00 ± 24.24, indicating severe and clinical levels of fear of childbirth. Moreover, 69.4% of the women had clinical, 18.6% had severe and 12% had moderate levels of fear of childbirth. During birth, women who had close supporters, who were allowed to move and who did not undergo amniotomy, enema, perineal shaving and electronic foetal monitoring had a low level of fear of childbirth. As the number of pregnant women in the labour room, frequency of vaginal examinations, duration of delivery/hour, severity of labour pain and negative perception of the approach of health professionals increased, the women's fear of childbirth increased. Fear of childbirth decreased as the frequency of antenatal follow-ups, number of births and satisfaction levels of the women increased (p < 0.05). Low income perception, irregular prenatal follow-up, severe labour pain and a long duration of labour were strong predictors of increased fear of childbirth. Increasing number of births, high birth satisfaction level and positive perception of the approach of health professionals were strong predictors of reduced fear of childbirth. The reduction of interventions in vaginal delivery and support from health care providers during delivery can be effective in reducing fear of childbirth.

Implementation of Massage Efflaurage Method To Reduce Labor Pain During The Active Phase I

Childbirth is normal in every pregnant woman, but many pregnant women cannot bear the pain during normal labor. Severe labor pain if not treated immediately can endanger the mother because it can cause the mother's condition to become unstable so that it can cause labor complications. Many methods can be done to reduce labor pain, one of which is the massage effleurage method, this method is very easy to apply, does not require expensive costs and can be done directly by mothers who give birth or family. How to do this method is by giving massage or soft touch on the mother's abdomen above the symplysis until it goes to the fundus and the right and left sides of the mother's abdomen are done repeatedly when contractions come. This community service implementation activity is carried out to increase the knowledge of pregnant women in preparing for childbirth, especially in overcoming labor pain when I. The activity was carried out in March 2023 at the obstetrics polyclinic of Granmed Lubuk Pakam Hospital, the participants of the activity were all pregnant women who visited ANC at Grandmed Hospital as many as 27 people, before being given implementation the majority of participants did not know about the massage effleurage method and after being given 100% implementation (27 people) participants could do massage effleurage. It is hoped that with the holding of this community service activity, pregnant women can have a more mature preparation to carry out normal labor and it is recommended that they can apply it during normal labor, especially during labor.

Literature Review: Teknik Menurunkan Intensitas Nyeri pada Ibu Bersalin

Labor pain is a type of labor pain that varies in intensity depending on the person. This pain is frequently regarded by the mother as the most severe pain she has ever felt. The goal of this study is to study into some related literature to minimize the intensity of labor searching. The strategy used in this study was metadata analysis combined with a literature evaluation to lower labor pain intensity. There are 14 research publications that are in accordance with this research, based on various studies that have been conducted. Based on the findings, it has been shown that non-pharmacological treatment can reduced the intensity of discomfort experienced by laboring mothers more convenient to do either health workers or patient companions is Birth Ball technique, massaging the lower back and taking deep breaths during contractions. The findings of this study can be utilized as a guide when offering non-pharmacological treatment to mothers who are experiencing severe labor pain.

Literature Review: Teknik Menurunkan Intensitas Nyeri pada Ibu Bersalin

Labor pain is a type of labor pain that varies in intensity depending on the person. This pain is frequently regarded by the mother as the most severe pain she has ever felt. The goal of this study is to study into some related literature to minimize the intensity of labor searching. The strategy used in this study was metadata analysis combined with a literature evaluation to lower labor pain intensity. There are 14 research publications that are in accordance with this research, based on various studies that have been conducted. Based on the findings, it has been shown that non-pharmacological treatment can reduced the intensity of discomfort experienced by laboring mothers more convenient to do either health workers or patient companions is Birth Ball technique, massaging the lower back and taking deep breaths during contractions. The findings of this study can be utilized as a guide when offering non-pharmacological treatment to mothers who are experiencing severe labor pain.

Intrapartum pudendal nerve block analgesia and childbirth experience in primiparous women with vaginal birth: Acohort study.

A negative childbirth experience has short- and long-term consequences for both mother and child. This study aimed to investigate the association between intrapartum pudendal nerve block (PNB) analgesia and childbirth experience. Primiparous women with a singleton cephalic vaginal live births at term at Oslo University Hospital from January 1, 2017, to June 1, 2019, were eligible for inclusion. The main outcome was total score on a childbirth experience questionnaire (range 1.0-4.0, higher score indicates better childbirth experience). An absolute risk difference of 0.10 was considered clinically relevant. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics between women with and without PNB. The analyses were stratified by spontaneous vs instrumental birth. Subanalyses of the questionnaire's domains (own capacity, professional support, perceived safety, and participation) were performed. Of 979 participating women, mean age was 32 years. Childbirth experience did not differ between women with and without PNB, either in spontaneous (absolute risk difference of the mean: -0.05, P value 0.36) or in instrumental birth (absolute risk difference of the mean: 0.03, P value 0.61). There were no statistically significant differences between PNB group scores for the separate domains. Women's childbirth experiences did not differ between birthing people with or without PNB, either in spontaneous or in instrumental births.The clinical implications of our study should be interpreted in light of the pain-relieving effects of PNB.PNB should be provided on clinical indication, including for individuals with severe labor pain.

Effect of lamaze breathing and psychosomatic relaxation techniques on labour pains and its outcome

Background: Labour is an emotional experience and involves both physiological and psychological mechanisms. Even if a woman is thrilled about being pregnant, a new baby adds emotional stress to life. Childbirth has always been associated with pain. The study's objectives are to assess the level of pain during labour and the effectiveness of Lamaze Breathing relaxation techniques on the outcome of labour. Methods: The quantitative research approach was used by implementing the Post-test control group research design. About 50 samples were selected by executing the purposive sampling technique. Independent variables were the Lamaze breathing relaxation techniques, while dependent variables were the labour pains and Outcome of Labour. Data from the participants were obtained by administering the observational techniques. A visual descriptor scale was used to assess the level of pain. Result: About 72% of the women in the control group had moderate labor pain, while 44% of the women in the experimental group had moderate pain. About 44% of them had severe labour pain, and the p values were 0.032, which indicates a significant effect of Lamaze breathing relaxation techniques in reducing the labour pain.

Acupressure Titik SP6, LI4 dan BL32 Mengurangi Nyeri Persalinan Kala I Systematic Literature Review

Pregnant women in Indonesia on average experience severe labor pain by 85-90%. Pain in the first stage can be influenced by physiological factors (stretching of the cervical muscles, uterine contractions, lowering of the head, and opening of the lower uterine segment) and psychological factors (stress, worry and fear). Acupressure is one way of providing stimulation by pressing certain points with the principles of acupuncture. Acupressure has many benefits such as increasing stamina, improving blood circulation, reducing stress and reducing pain. This study uses the Systematic Literature Review research method to identify and analyze 15 international journals obtained through the Pubmed, Cochrane and Science Direct databases. The results obtained are that acupressure helps mothers relax more in dealing with labor pains in stage 1. Acupressure can stimulate endorphins and increase blood circulation thereby increasing oxygen supply and can activate small nerves to block pain impulses to the brain. Acupressure can reduce pain in the first stage of labor.

Predictors regarding childbirth fear prior to pregnancy: A study on female and male student

Several predictors of childbirth fear during pregnancy have been identified. However, the influence of prior to pregnancy parameters has not been elucidated. This study was conducted to determine childbirth fear prior to pregnancy and identify its predictors among XXX female and male students. This cross-sectional study was conducted between March and June 2018. The sample consisted of 842 students (421 female and 421 male) who were studying at a state university in the eastern side of XXX. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Women Childbirth Fear – Prior to Pregnancy Scale, the Men Childbirth Fear – Prior to Pregnancy Scale, the Ten-Item Personality Inventory, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. A hierarchical linear regression model indicated that planning to have a cesarean section, expected labor pain, being extroverted, being agreeable, and anxiety were among the important indicators of female students’ childbirth fear prior to pregnancy (β=0.147, β=0.162, β=0.124, β=0.124, and β=0.183, respectively; p&lt;0.05). According to a simple linear regression model, expected labor pain, being extroverted, characteristics of neuroticism, and anxiety were among the most important indicators of male students’ childbirth fear prior to pregnancy (β=0.164, β=0.113, β=0.153, and β=0.130, respectively; p&lt;0.05). Severe labor pain expectancy and high anxiety levels are predictors of childbirth fear prior to pregnancy in both female and male students. Extroversion and agreeableness in female students; extroversion and neuroticism in male students are personality traits that affect childbirth fear prior to pregnancy.

A randomized comparative study of 0.1% levobupivacaine with fentanyl vs 0.1% ropivacaine with fentanyl

Background: Pregnant women experience severe labor pain which is the leading cause of stress and anxiety. The present study compared 0.1% ropivacaine and 0.1% levobupivacaine with 2 µg/ml fentanyl as a patient controlled epidural analgesia. Materials and Methods: 30 labouring parturients were divided into 2 groups of 15 each. Group I patients received 0.1% ropivacaine with 2 µg/ml fentanyl and group II patients received 0.1% levobupivacaine with 2 µg/ml fentanyl as epidural solutions via PCEA pump infusions. Results: Mode of delivery found to be caesarean seen in 5 in group I and 7 in group II, instrument‑assisted vaginal delivery seen 8 in group I and 6 in group II and normal vaginal delivery seen 7 in group I and 7 in group II. The difference was non- significant (P> 0.05). Demand boluses per hour was 0.08 in group I and 0.36 in group II, mean total number of manual rescue boluses was 1.02 in group I and 0.61 in group II and first requirement of manual rescue bolus was 3.10 in group I and 2.60 in group II. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Both bupivacaine and ropivacaine produced equivalent analgesia with fentanyl for labor.

Knowledge and attitude towards pain relief in labor among final year midwifery students: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundPoor attitudes and lack of knowledge about labor pain has long been demonstrated to burden the health professionals, as well as the women. In developing countries, labor analgesia practice is not well established and undermined. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore final year midwifery students' knowledge and attitudes towards pain relief during labor. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among final year undergraduate midwifery students using structured, and self-administered questionnaire (N = 130). Descriptive statistics were performed. Results were presented using narrations, means and standard deviations, percentage, figure and tables. Univariate analysis was used to assess the association between demographic variables with poor knowledge and attitudes. Resultsof 130 students participated, the majority, 88% of respondents understood that women can feel moderate to severe pain during labor. However, only less than half of the participants had knowledge of labor pain should be relieved. The majority, 70% of students did not have awareness about the methods of labor analgesia. ConclusionsAlthough the majority of final year midwifery students were agreed with women can feel moderate to severe labor pain, almost more than half of the students were not aware of the painless labor in the hospital. Most of the students believed that pharmacological methods of labor analgesia will affect the labor, baby, and mother. Therefore, considerable attention in preservice teaching and training about labor pain and analgesia for midwifery students is recommended.

PENGARUH PEMBERIAN ENDORPHIN MASSAGE TERHADAP SKALA NYERI IBU BERSALIN DI BPM LU’LUATUL MUBRIKOH, S.ST BANGKALAN

Labor is identical to the pain that will be experienced. Physiologically, pain occurs when the muscles of the uterus contract as an effort to open the cervix and push the baby's head towards the pelvis. Based on preliminary studies conducted at the BPM Lu’luatul Mubrikoh, Bangkalan S.ST was obtained from 20 women giving birth, 4 (20%) of the mothers giving birth experienced severe labor pain. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of giving endorphin massage on the scale of maternal pain. The design used in this study was to use a pre-experimental design with the One group Pretest posttest approach. The independent variable is endorphin massage while the dependent variable is labor pain. The study population was all 16 maternity mothers with a sample of 15 respondents using non-probability sampling and purposive sampling. Data analysis using univariate analysis normality test and bivariate analysis. The research measuring instrument is the observation sheet analyzed with statistical tests paired t-test or Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. The results showed that of the 15 respondents given endorphin massage therapy, before being given therapy on average the respondents experienced labor pain with a scale of 6. Whereas after being given endorphin massage therapy the average maternity experience the intensity of labor pain on a pain scale 5. There were 4 people significant reduction in pain, not significant 8, and 3 people with constant pain intensity. The results of the Wicoxon Signed Rank Test statistical test showed ρ value 0.005 which means that α &lt;0.05 Ho was rejected Ha accepted, which means that there are differences in the scale of pain before and after giving endorphin massage to the mother. Health workers should provide the best service to maternity mothers, including one of them trying to overcome or reduce labor pain by various methods.

Neuraxial labour analgesia is associated with a reduced risk of maternal depression at 2 years after childbirth: A multicentre, prospective, longitudinal study.

Severe labour pain is an important risk factor of postpartum depression, and early depression is associated with an increased risk of long-term depression; whereas the use of epidural analgesia during labour decreases the risk of postpartum depression. To investigate whether neuraxial labour analgesia was associated with a decreased risk of 2-year depression. This was a multicentre, prospective, longitudinal study. The study was performed in Peking University First Hospital, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital and Haidian Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Beijing, China, between 1 August 2014 and 25 April 2017. Five hundred ninety-nine nulliparous women with single-term cephalic pregnancy preparing for vaginal delivery were enrolled. Depressive symptoms were screened with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale at delivery-room admission, 6-week postpartum and 2 years after childbirth. A score of 10 or higher was used as the threshold of depression. The primary endpoint was the presence of depression at 2 years after childbirth. The association between the use of neuraxial labour analgesia and the development of 2-year depression was analysed with a multivariable logistic regression model. Five hundred and eight parturients completed 2-year follow-up. Of these, 368 (72.4%) received neuraxial analgesia during labour and 140 (27.6%) did not. The percentage with 2-year depression was lower in those with neuraxial labour analgesia than in those without (7.3 [27/368] vs. 13.6% [19/140]; P = 0.029). After correction for confounding factors, the use of neuraxial analgesia during labour was associated with a significantly decreased risk of 2-year depression (odds ratio 0.455, 95% confidence interval 0.230 to 0.898; P = 0.023). For nulliparous women with single-term cephalic pregnancy planning for vaginal delivery, the use of neuraxial analgesia during labour was associated with a reduced risk of maternal depression at 2 years after childbirth. www.chictr.org.cn: ChiCTR-OCH-14004888 and ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02823418.

Adagio music effects in normal primigravidas labour reduced pain perception, the active phase of first stage labour duration, and serum cortisol in RSAB Harapan Kita Jakarta: A clinical trial

Introduction: Labour is suppose to be a joyful and wonderful moment in women reproduction period, nevertheless almost 60% primigravidas perceived severe labour pain. Adagio music could be relaxing and anxioalgolytic due to similarity tempo range to the normal respiratory rate and heartbeat (Relaxing and Anxioalgolytic Music). Theories of Fear–Tension-Pain, Beck Pain Chain, Gate Control, and Relaxation of Benson were theoretical frameworks for this study.

Fatigue in Pregnancy: The validity and reliability of the Farsi Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue scale.

ObjectivesFatigue is a common discomfort experienced during pregnancy and may contribute to severe labour pain and postpartum depression. This study aimed to translate the Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF) scale into Farsi and validate it in a sample of pregnant Irani women.MethodsThis cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted between January and June 2016 at eight healthcare centres in Sabzevar, Iran. The English version of the MAF scale was translated into Farsi and assessed for content validity. Participants completed the Farsi MAF scale and the Farsi World Health Organization-5 Well-being index (WHO-5). Construct validity was assessed through exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to determine the internal consistency and stability of the Farsi MAF scale.ResultsA total of 582 women met the inclusion criteria, of which 541 completed the MAF scale (response rate: 93%). The EFA of the 15 items confirmed the previously proposed one-factor structure with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.957 for the Farsi MAF scale. Stability was confirmed by the ICC value (0.702) for the Global Fatigue Index (GFI) and the mean GFI was 20.33 ± 12.71. Concurrent validity was confirmed by a moderate negative correlation (r = −0.35; P <0.001) between the scores of the Farsi MAF scale and the Farsi WHO-5. Women who received a high level of support from their husbands, who were satisfied with the quality of their marital relationship and with a well-being score of >50 reported a lower level of fatigue than the other groups (P ≤0.012).ConclusionThe Farsi MAF scale is a reliable and valid questionnaire to investigate fatigue in pregnant Irani women. Interventions to promote marital satisfaction and women’s well-being are recommended.

Labor Analgesia in South West Nigeria: Methods and Self-reported Effectiveness.

Context:Labor exposes many women to severe pain. Effective labor pain management is one of the prerequisites for a satisfying labor experience.Aim:The aim of this study was to assess the labor pain management practices and patients’ assessment of adequacy of pain relief in two tertiary hospitals in South West Nigeria.Materials and Methods:This was a cross-sectional study involving 132 pregnant women who had a noninstrumental vaginal delivery at the obstetric units of Babcock University Teaching Hospital and Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, between December 2017 and May 2018. A structured questionnaire was administered to women within 24 h of delivery to record details of labor and delivery, the form of labor analgesia administered and respondents’ perceived effectiveness of the analgesia. Data were analyzed using the IBM-SPSS statistics for Windows version 21.0 (IBM, Armonk, New York).Results:Sixty-six (50%) women rated labor pain to be severe. Thirty-eight women (28.8%) did not receive any pain relief during labor. Nonpharmacological pain management practices such as back massage, breathing exercises, and companionship were administered to 45(34.1%), 79(59.8%), and 45(34.1%) women, respectively. Nine women (6.8%) received intramuscular pentazocine (30 mg) for labor analgesia. There was a statistically significant association between use of back massage and severe labor pain perception (χ2 = 4.080; P = 0.043). Self-reported effectiveness was highest among users of back massage (82.2%) and companionship (77.8%).Conclusions:There is a large unmet need for labor analgesia in South West Nigeria. Nonpharmacological pain management practices were the most frequently used methods, and most patients experienced reduction in severity of pain. There is need for improvements in obstetric analgesia services in our maternity units.

Effectiveness of intermittent heat and cold application on labour pain and duration of labour among the intranatal mothers

Childbirth is a natural biological process and the pain associated with it is also perceived as normal and natural. The primigravida women experience more intense pain during labour compared to multigravida. Experience of severe labour pain affects women's attitudes about vaginal birth. Heat and cold application on Intranatal mothers are very cheap and simple method and no need previous experience and it will have no side effects. The objectives of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of intermittent heat and cold application on labour pain and duration of labour among the experimental group mothers in comparison to control group mothers. This study was a quantitative approach and Quasi Experimental Design. The setting was in the Labour room and the sample size were 60 (30 in experimental group and 30 in control group) selected through Convenience Sampling Technique. The instruments used for data collection was a standardized Wong Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale and modified WHO Partograph and analysed by SPSS package 16.0 version. Results of research showed a significant decrease in the pain intensity in the intervention group during the first stage of labour and comparing two groups showed significantly difference (p&lt;0.01). The calculated unpaired “t” value of first and second stage of labour 5.409 and 8.927 were found to be statistically significant at p&lt;0.05 level. In conclusion, intermittent heat and cold application to the Intranatal mothers was found to be effective in reducing the level of labour pain and duration of first and second stage of labour among intranatal mothers.

Can women in labor give informed consent to epidural analgesia?

There are reasons to believe that decision-making capacity (mental competence) of women in labor may be compromised in relation to giving informed consent to epidural analgesia. Not only severe labor pain, but also stress, anxiety, and premedication of analgesics such as opioids, may influence women's decisional capacity. Decision-making capacity is a complex construct involving cognitive and emotional components which cannot be reduced to 'understanding' alone. A systematic literature search identified a total of 20 empirical studies focused on women's decision-making about epidural analgesia for labor pain. Our review of these studies suggests that empirical evidence to date is insufficient to determine whether women undergoing labor are capable of consenting to epidural analgesia. Given such uncertainties, sufficient information about pain management should be provided as part of prenatal education and the consent process must be carefully conducted to enhance women's autonomy. To fill in the significant gap in clinical knowledge about laboring women's decision-making capacity, well-designed prospective and retrospective studies may be required.

Validity and reliability of the Farsi version of Wijma delivery expectancy questionnaire: an exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis.

BackgroundFear of childbirth may cause complications such as experiencing severe labour pain, postpartum depression, and impaired mother–fetus attachment.ObjectiveTo validate the Farsi version of the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (W-DEQ) (versions A & B) in a sample of Iranian women.MethodsThe WDE-Q (versions A & B) was translated into Farsi, and the content validity of the scales was confirmed. In a cross-sectional study conducted in 2015, 405 pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy and 320 postpartum women completed the Farsi W-DEQ versions A & B, respectively. The construct validity and reliability of the scales were examined using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA) and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, respectively. SPSS version 18 and Lisrel version 8.80 were used for statistical analyses.ResultsResults of the CFA on 33 items could not confirm the one-factor structure proposed by Wijma (RMSEA= 0.14, SRMR=0.11, Chi-square/df=8.95, p<0.05, CFI=0.86, IFI=0.86) or other structures suggested by previous studies. We conducted an EFA on 33-item version A and found six factors with eigenvalue > 1. One item was not loaded on any factor. A CFA on 32 items of the W-DEQ (version B) yielded acceptable fit for the factorial structure found on version A (RMSEA= 0.075 (CI [0.071, 0.08]), SRMR=0.078, Chi-square/df=2.93, p<0.05, CFI=0.95, IFI=0.95). Cronbach’s Alpha coefficients for the 32-item Farsi W-DEQ (versions A & B) were 0.914 and 0.919, respectively.ConclusionsBoth Farsi W-DEQ are reliable and valid instruments to assess fear of childbirth in Iranian pregnant and postpartum women. Further research should be designed to examine the validity of the W-DEQ (A) in pregnant women regardless of gestational age.

Labour pain experiences and perceptions: a qualitative study among post-partum women in Ghana

BackgroundWomen have experienced severe labour pain over the years and various attempts have been made to effectively manage labour pain. However, there is paucity of literature on the labour pain experience and perceptions about labour pain with the contemporary Ghanaian health system. Therefore this study sought to gain an in-depth understanding on labour pain experiences and perceptions of post-partum women.MethodsThe study adopted an exploratory descriptive qualitative approach and collected data through individual interviews. Informed consent was obtained from all the participants who were purposively sampled. After transcription of interviews, the data were analyzed inductively using content analysis techniques.ResultsWomen in this study experienced pain during labour rated as mild, moderate and severe and the pain was felt at the waist area, vagina, lower abdomen and the general body. The women expressed labour pain through crying, screaming and shouting. They prayed to God to help reduce the severe pain. Some women endured the pain, cried inwardly and others showed no sign of pain. Some women believed that crying during labour is a sign of weakness. Pain reliefs such as pethidine (Meperidine) was occasionally given. Non-pharmacologic measures employed included walking around, deep breathing, side-lying, waist holding, squatting, taking a shower and chewing gum. The individuality of pain experience and expression was emphasized and the socio-cultural orientation of women made some of them stoic.ConclusionWe concluded that it is necessary for all health professionals to manage labour pain effectively taking the socio-cultural context into consideration.