Parturients' perspectives on labor pain and epidural analgesia: A protocol for an explorative qualitative study

Childbirth is a significant life event often accompanied by intense pain. Although pain perception is highly subjective and influenced by multiple factors, its management is frequently focused solely on pain intensity. Epidural analgesia (EA) is the most effective form of labor pain relief; however, there is limited qualitative research on which aspects of pain relief parturients perceive as successful with EA. Understanding parturients' perspectives on successful pain relief with EA can help improve patient-centered care and enhance labor pain management strategies.

This qualitative study aims to explore parturients' perspectives on successful pain management during labor with EA, identifying key aspects that contribute to their overall childbirth experience.

A qualitative, semi-structured interview study will be conducted at Herlev Hospital, Denmark. Approximately 10-15 parturients who received EA during labor will be recruited using purposive sampling within 24 hours postpartum. Interviews will be recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis framework. Data collection will continue until sufficient information power is reached.

The study has been approved by the Danish Data Protection Agency (case no. P-2025-18241) and adheres to the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent will be obtained from all participants, and data will be anonymized to ensure confidentiality.

The study is expected to generate new insights into parturients' experiences of labor pain and EA, contributing to the development of patient-reported outcome measures and informing future clinical practice. Findings may also support the creation of standardized pain assessment tools and influence policies on labor pain management.

Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at national and international conferences to inform both clinical practice and future research.