Obstetric and non-obstetric factors related to labour pain

Abstract

The pain associated with childbirth was rated by 104 women, (a) during the first stage or labour and (b) 24–48 hrs after delivery. The nature and intensity of this pain was analysed in terms of a number of obstetric and non-obstetric factors many of which affected the womens' perception of labour pain. Parity, duration of the second stage of labour, artificial rupture of the membranes, Pethidine and Entonox use, attendance at ante-natal classes, expectations of labour, desirability of pregnancy and the stressfullness of the birth were all significantly associated with variations in the intensity labour pain. Age, social class, miscarriage, duration of the first stage of labour, syntocinon use and the presence of the husband at the birth were not significantly related to the intensity of labour pain.