Labour pain: Long-term recall and consequences

Abstract

Thirty-three women who gave birth 3–4 years ago described the nature and intensity of the pain experienced during that birth using structured pain assessment scales. These assessments were compared with assessments made at the time of the birth. The subjects' recall of labour pain was surprisingly accurate. A small number of subjects reported that they had experienced considerable negative affect when they spontaneously recalled their labour pain. The majority of subjects acknowledged that their experience of labour pain had given rise to some positive consequences. Most commonly they reported that it had increased their ability to cope with other kinds of pain and stress.