Women’s perceptions of the pain assessment and non-pharmacological pain relief methods used during labor : a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

<div lang="en" class="abs"><p class="abs_header">Abstract</p><p><em>Introduction::</em> The use of non-pharmacological pain relief methods and pain assessment scales during labor has received limited research attention. This study aimed to describe women’s perceptions of the pain assessment and non-pharmacological pain relief methods used during labor.</p><p><em>Methods:</em> A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted. A convenience sample of women (n=204) from one Finnish maternity ward participated in the study. Women who had given birth were asked to respond to a validated questionnaire between November 2018 and February 2019. The statistical significance of observed differences was analyzed using the chi-squared test.</p><p><em>Results:</em> Less than half (46%) of the women who gave birth at the hospital were asked to assess the intensity of their pain on a pain assessment scale. The most commonly used non-pharmacological pain relief methods were encouragement (92%), the presence of a midwife (82%), and proper breathing technique that was taught by a midwife (81%). Aqua blisters (3%), reflexology (e.g. zone magnets, 5%), and music (9%) were the least commonly used non-pharmacological methods during labor. The participants’ experiences of fear and pain were significantly associated with the implementation of pain assessment.</p><p><em>Conclusions:</em> Women’s pain was rarely evaluated by using a certain pain assessment scale. In addition, non-pharmacological pain relief methods were inadequately used during labor. More specifically, methods that required midwives’ own personal contributions were rarely offered to the women.</p></div>