Factors associated with more intense labor pain

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Perinatal Psychology

Background:

• Labor pain intensity is influenced by various factors.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for improving maternal care.
• Differences between first-time (primiparas) and experienced (multiparas) mothers warrant investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if background factors, emotional feelings, and expectations affect labor pain intensity.
• To compare these influences between primiparas and multiparas.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 50 primiparas and 88 multiparas.
• Demographic data collected at 33 weeks gestation.
• Labor pain assessed using Visual Analogue Scale and Pain-o-meter during three labor phases.

Main Results:

• Parity, younger age, less education, menstrual problems, abortion history, unstable emotions, unrealistic expectations, increased pain medication use, and partner's negative feelings correlated with higher pain intensity.
• Significant differences were observed between primiparas and multiparas regarding these factors.

Conclusions:

• Background factors, emotional state, and expectations significantly impact labor pain.
• Primiparas and multiparas exhibit distinct patterns in these influences.
• Findings can inform targeted interventions for labor pain management.