Labour pain relief management: Postnatal mothers and healthcare
providers’ perspectives
Abstract
Objective: Many women desire optimal pain management during labour and
delivery. However, evidence on labour pain management in developing
countries, is scarce. This study explores knowledge and perspectives of
postnatal mothers and healthcare providers on pain management during
labour and delivery. Design: A cross-sectional study. Setting: Maternal
and Child clinics. Population or sample: Mothers and healthcare
professionals. Main outcome measures: Labour Pain Survey. Results: Over
50% mothers reported severe to excruciatingly unbearable labour pain
during recent labour. Age and education level were important predictors
on pain relief information and preferences. Health professionals
preferred third trimester to hold first discussion regarding preferences
of labour pain relief, however not much support was received.
Conclusions: This study highlights the need for health professionals in
clinics and hospitals to equally provide informed choices on methods of
labour pain relief and consider social media as a platform to educate
expectant mothers regarding labour pain and its management.