Women's Health Medicine
Volume 2, Issue 4 , Pages 15-16, July 2005

How painful is labour?

Michael Wee is Lead Consultant Anaesthetist (Obstetric Anaesthesia) at Poole Hospital NHS Trust. He qualified from Dundee University University and trained in anaesthesia in Dundee, Copenhagen and South West England. His interests include obstetric anaesthesia and patient information.

Abstract 

The majority of parturients experience severe or unbearable pain during labour when asked shortly after delivery but memory of labour pain fades rapidly over the ensuing months. Labour pain is an individual experience and is influenced by personal aspirations, cultural factors, peer group and carer pressures. The most satisfied women were those who expected more pain, those who were satisfied with the analgesia received and also those who received good pain relief. It is essential to provide timely information, support and choice of pain relief tailored to the individual parturient.

Keywords:  childbirth , pain relief , factors influencing pain , labour , pain

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PII: S1744-1870(06)00069-2

doi:10.1383/wohm.2005.2.4.15

Women's Health Medicine
Volume 2, Issue 4 , Pages 15-16, July 2005

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