Labor Pain: Perception of the Parturient and Midwife Evaluation

Abstract

Abstract:Labor pain is an organic response which is important to make a correct assessment. Human evolution brought some modifications to the human body and as a consequence, labor pain is a major concern for women and simultaneously a professional matter for midwives. The aim of this study is to describe the perception of labor pain by the parturient and its evaluation by midwives of these episodes. A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Non-parametric methods were applied because the sample obtained was not normal. The study was based on two convenience samples, totaling 164 parturients and 18 nurses. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was applied. Data were collected from 575 pain episodes. The age and parity of the parturient are not associated statistically with the intensity of labor pain at the time of hospital admission, as well as the presence of a companion. The level of pain mentioned by the parturients is significantly higher than indicated by the evaluation of the midwives. Midwives with between 6-10 and 11-15 years in practice assess pain at lower levels than nurses with 1-5 or 16-20 years in practice. Conclusions: The midwives underestimate labor pain. It is important to develop greater accuracy in assessing labor pain. Midwives can provide the stronger support if they do a correct evaluation of parturient's pain.

Women’s perceptions of the pain assessment and non-pharmacological pain relief methods used during labor: A cross-sectional survey

“…The pain experienced during labor can be measured by different pain assessment scales such as the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) 1,5 . Numeral Rating Scale (NRS), Verbal Rating Scale (VRS) or McGill pain questionnaire (three components: VAS, verbal response scale, and present pain intensity scale) 1,6,7 .…”

“…pain might be assessed verbally without any pain assessment or may be based on a midwife's evaluation of a woman's pain 8 . This is not relevant because midwives can sometimes underestimate labor pain 5 . It is challenging to assess a woman's pain during labor, as a pain assessment should match individual preferences for mode and timing during labor to provide accurate results 1,9 .…”

Effect of Touching Therapy by Midwives on Labor Pain

“…By listening to women's experiences and by observing women during childbirth, factors that contribute to an optimized process of labor, such as the mothers' wellbeing and feelings of safety, may be identified [15]. Especially in pain assessment at the beginning of the labor process so that midwives can provide counseling and apply techniques to reduce pain [22,23]. An important part of a midwife's role during birth is supporting and encouraging women as well as informing them about pain management options [24].…”

Effect of normal physiologic childbirth program in mother-friendly hospitals on duration of labor

“…One of these effects is a reduction in maternal anxiety (11). Fear of childbirth, anxiety and unfamiliarity with the maternity environment bring feelings of deep insecurity for women during childbirth (12)(13)(14). Based upon some evidences maternal anxiety during labor can affect the labor progress by increase the release of adrenaline and cortisol.…”