The Need to Consider Pregnancy As a Biological Variable to Reduce Preventable Suffering Related to Pregnancy

Abstract

Maternal morbidity and mortality constitute a national health crisis, and pain is a significant component of maternal morbidity. One important way to reduce maternal morbidity is to reduce the pain associated with pregnancy. Unfortunately, our understanding of how to reduce pain in women is hampered because, historically, mostly male subjects have been used in the study of pain. However, more recently, females increasingly have been included in pain research studies, and astounding differences in how males and females process pain have been uncovered. Moreover, pain in nonpregnant women differs in many ways from pain experienced by pregnant women. We argue here that to better address maternal morbidity, we must better address the pain associated with pregnancy. Furthermore, just as it is important to include both men and women in pain research to better understand pain in both sexes, conducting pain research in pregnant women is essential to finding ways to reduce pain in pregnant women.

Summary and Conclusion: Framing a New Research Agenda on Maternal Morbidities and Mortality in the United States

“… 14 , 16 Dagher et al 17 discuss the problems of underdiagnosis and undertreatment of perinatal depression and the need to expand available treatment options ranging from interpersonal psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and pharmacologic interventions to complementary and integrative health approaches—these may include folate supplementation, yoga, acupuncture, and mindfulness, although the evidence for their full efficacy and safety remains limited. Thomas et al 21 also call for more research to better address pain during and after pregnancy.…”