The comparison of the effect of non-pharmacological pain relief and pharmacological analgesia with remifentanil on fear of childbirth and postpartum depression: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Childbirth may be associated with psychological, social, and emotional effects and provide the background for women's health or illness throughout their life. This research aimed at comparing the impact of non-pharmacological pain relief and pharmacological analgesia with remifentanil on childbirth fear and postpartum depression. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This randomized clinical trial with two parallel arms was conducted on 66 women with term pregnancy referred to Taleghani Hospital in Tabriz for vaginal delivery during September 2022 to September 2023. First, all of the eligible participants were selected through Convenience Sampling. Then, they were randomly assigned into two groups of pharmacological analgesia with remifentanil and non-pharmacological analgesia with a ratio of 1:1 using stratified block randomization based on the number of births. Before the intervention, fear of childbirth (FOC) was measured using Delivery Fear Scale (DFS) between 4 and 6 cm cervical dilatation. Pain and fear during labor in dilatation of 8 cm were measured in both groups using VAS and DFS. After delivery, FOC was assessed using Delivery Fear Scale (W DEQ Version B) and postpartum depression using the Edinburgh's postpartum depression scale (EPDS). Significance level was considered 0.05. Mean difference (MD) was compared with Independent T-test and ANCOVA pre and post intervention. RESULTS: The mean score of FOC in the non-pharmacological analgesia group was significantly lower than that in the pharmacological analgesia group after the intervention by controlling the effect of the baseline score (MD: -6.33, 95%, Confidence Interval (CI): -12.79 to -0.12, p = 0.04). In the postpartum period, the mean score of FOC in the non-pharmacological analgesia group was significantly lower than that in the pharmacological analgesia group after controlling the effect of the baseline score (MD: -21.89; 95% CI: -35.12 to -8.66; p = 0.002). The mean score of postpartum depression in the non-pharmacological analgesia group was significantly lower than that in the pharmacological analgesia group (MD: -1.93, 95% CI: -3.48 to -0.37, p = 0.01). TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): IRCT20170506033834N10. Date of registration: 05/07/2022 Date of first registration: 05/07/2022. URL: https://www.irct.ir/trial/61030; Date of recruitment start date05/07/2022. CONCLUSION: The study results indicated a reduction in FOC and postpartum depression among parturient women receiving non-pharmacological strategies with active participation in childbirth compared to women receiving pharmacological analgesia. Owing to the possible side effects of pharmacological methods for mother and fetus, non-pharmacological strategies with active participation of the mother in childbirth are recommended to reduce the FOC and postpartum depression.

The effect of mindfulness-based counseling on the childbirth experience of primiparous women: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Unpleasant childbirth experience is considered as one of the important factors for cesarean preference. Limited studies have been investigated the impact of psycho-based interventions on the childbirth experience and the most effective counseling approach to promote a pleasant childbirth experience has not been clearly identified. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of mindfulness-based counseling on the childbirth experience of primiparous women. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 64 primiparous with gestational age of 32 to 34 weeks referred to the perinatology clinic of Al-Zahra and Taleghani educational-treatment hospital, affiliated to Tabriz University of Medical sciences, Iran. Participants were randomly assigned into the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received eight mindfulness-based counseling sessions. The intensity of childbirth pain with VAS (Visual Analog Scale) in the active phase of labor at 8 cm dilatation and the childbirth experience questionnaire were completed by interview after childbirth. Independent t-test and ANCOVA were used to compare the outcomes between the two groups. RESULTS: After controlling the effect of confounding variables, the mean score of childbirth experience in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in control group [Mean Difference (MD): 1.79, 95% CI: 2.52 to 1.07, P < 0.01]. The mean score of labor pain in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group after controlling the effect of baseline score and confounding variables [MD: -2.21, 95% CL: -3.35 to -1.10, P < 0.001]. CONCLUSION: The findings indicated that providing mindfulness-based counseling improves the childbirth experience and reduces labor pain during childbirth. However, further randomized clinical trials are needed before making a definitive conclusion. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): IRCT20171007036615N9. Date of registration: 16/03/2022, 25/12/1400.

Coping Experiences of Nigerian Women during Pregnancy and Labour: A Qualitative Study.

Background: Pregnancy and labour are defining moments in the lives of women. While these are joyful moments for many, some physical and psychological issues have been reported during labour and pregnancy. This study was conducted to explore the coping experiences of Nigerian women during pregnancy and labour. Methods: This is an exploratory qualitative study using the content analysis. The study was conducted from November 2021 to January 2022 in Ekiti State and Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 women selected using the purposive sampling technique. Data collection was stopped when we reached data saturation. Data were analyzed through content analysis using the NVIVO software version 12. Results: Two themes emerged from the study including coping strategies during pregnancy and trying to endure labour pain. The theme, coping strategies utilized during pregnancy, included obtaining the relatives' experiences, seeking information, religious practices, and engaging in exercise. The theme, trying to endure labour pain, consisted of exercising for pain relief, relying on God, Positive imagination, giving psychological support, and behaving according to the accepted cultural beliefs. Conclusion: Findings suggested that women utilized many non-pharmacological methods for coping. Interventions to support women during pregnancy and labour should consider these strategies during planning and implementation.

Association between perinatal pain and postpartum depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, clinical studies have shown that perinatal pain could increase the risk of postpartum depression, while such a conclusion appears controversial. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the association between perinatal pain and postpartum depression, and to evaluate the effectiveness of epidural labor analgesia in reducing the risk of postpartum depression. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to Jan 30th, 2022. The effect size of the meta-analysis was calculated using odds ratio and 95 % confidence interval. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata 15.0 software. RESULTS: There were 19 studies included with a total of 96,378 patients. Among the included studies, 10 investigated the association between perinatal pain and the risk of postpartum depression, and 9 reported that between labor analgesia and the risk of postpartum depression. The results of meta-analysis showed that perinatal pain increased the risk of postpartum depression [OR = 1.43, 95% CI (1.23, 1.67), p<0.05], and epidural analgesia could reduce the risk of postpartum depression [OR = 0.42, 95% CI (0.33, 0.55), p < 0.05]. LIMITATIONS: Source of heterogeneity in the association between perinatal pain and PPD could not be identified due to the limitations of the original studies. There were mainly cohort studies included in the assessment for effectiveness of epidural analgesia in reducing the incidence of postpartum pain. Therefore, we look forward to more RCTs to confirm our results. CONCLUSION: Perinatal pain is one of the risk factors for postpartum depression, and epidural analgesia could reduce the risk of PPD. This result might provide guidance for clinical practice. However, psychological health counseling should be combined with epidural analgesia for perinatal pain to reduce the risk of PPD.

PAIN AND ANXIETY EXPERIENCE IN THE CHOICE OF EPIDURAL ANALGESIA IN DELIVERY.

The experience of labor pain is a complex process that represents the interaction of the nociceptive stimulus within the physiologic process with a series of psychological factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between the choice of epidural analgesia as a form of pain management and psychological state of woman in labor; moreover, whether the women in labor with a higher level of anxiety have a more intensive experience of pain during labor and therefore decide on epidural analgesia. Pain was evaluated by the visual analog scale, while the sensory and affective pain components were evaluated by the McGill Pain Questionnaire, and anxiety as a trait was measured with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-form X. Women in labor with a higher level of anxiety had a significantly increased affective component of pain, but did not significantly more frequently decide on labor with epidural analgesia. The women having chosen epidural analgesia experienced more intense pain during delivery before epidural analgesia, with the sensory component of pain being less pronounced in the women in labor without epidural analgesia, while there was no difference in the affective component of pain.

The unpredictable nature of labour and birth: A qualitative investigation regarding expectations of Italian parents to-be.

OBJECTIVE: to explore first-time Italian parents' expectations of labour and birth. DESIGN: qualitative Husserlian phenomenological approach, using face-to-face focus groups for parents during the late third trimester of pregnancy. Data analysis, using Colaizzi's phenomenological method, included the processes of reading and re-reading the text to extract relevant statements in order to identify themes and finally member checking was performed to validate participants' expressions SETTING: consultant-led maternity unit in Northern Italy, with approximately 2500 births per annum. PARTICIPANTS: purposive sample of eight first-time parents-to-be, with a straightforward singleton pregnancy, who participated in two focus groups during pregnancy, one for women and one for their partners, to explore their expectations of birth. FINDINGS: uncertainties, doubts and fears were reported by all women. Although they expected to have a normal birth, they remained open-minded due to the awareness of the unpredictable nature of childbirth. One of the strongest emotions expressed by women was that of fear, especially of labour. They found different strategies to cope with those fears and to anticipate their potential disappointment and frustration regarding a childbirth experience that potentially could differ from their expectations. Women wanted their partner with them to share the birth experience and they valued their presence as essential. The midwife was expected to be a supportive guide. Fathers-to-be, although happy about the idea to be present at birth, were also concerned about their reaction to an unknown experience, about the woman's labour pain and were worried about not being helpful to her. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: to our knowledge this is the first such study to be conducted in Italy. In order to support families as a whole, the importance of the father in a supportive role and as an essential parent himself should be addressed, considering his wishes. Midwives should strive to provide family centre-care, to be supportive and sensitive. Antenatal education classes should be conducted with both parents in order to understand their expectations, give information about duration and stages of labour and birth, prepare for parenthood, addressing fears and enhancing a positive experience of birth.

Impact of Labor Epidural Analgesia on Maternal Satisfaction and Childbirth Expectations in a Tertiary Care Center in Portugal: A Prospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: In the current century, increasing importance has been given to the opinions, expectations and experiences of women using healthcare services. The fulfillment of expectations is determined by satisfaction. This study aims to analyze both expectations and satisfaction during childbirth regarding labor epidural analgesia among parturients, with a focus on myths. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted in parturients at the Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte - Santa Maria Hospital in Lisbon, Portugal, applying a questionnaire to 317 random women. SPSS v22.0 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Three hundred questionnaires were returned, from women with a mean age of 31. Among the respondents, 46.3% had a college degree and 64% were employed, 46% were primiparas and only 14% had a previous anesthesiology appointment for childbirth purposes. The overall degree of satisfaction surrounding the birth experience was good/excellent for 87% of women. Labor epidural analgesia was performed on 96% of all patients, with an excellent/good outcome for 82.1% and a higher than expected results for 40.7% of them. Regarding the myths, 52.5% believed that epidural analgesia imposes a dose limit and 58.9% that it often causes permanent back pain. The level of education was significantly associated with some myths (p < 0.05), since women with a higher level of education do not believe most of them. DISCUSSION: This study supports the need for an evaluation of the current information that women have about labor epidural analgesia/childbirth. Women's individual needs can be met by multidisciplinary teams including Anesthesiology specialists. CONCLUSION: Maternal satisfaction with childbirth and analgesia is a complex and dynamic process that includes and is not limited to the relief of pain.

Introdução: As opiniões, expectativas e experiências das mulheres que utilizam os serviços de saúde têm vindo a alcançar crescente importância. O cumprimento das expectativas é determinado pela satisfação. Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar as expectativas e satisfação das mulheres durante o trabalho de parto em relação à analgesia epidural, com foco principal nos mitos. Material e Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo observacional e prospetivo em grávidas do Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte - Santa Maria Hospital, em Lisboa, Portugal, através da aplicação aleatória de um questionário a 317 mulheres. Foi utilizado o programa SPSS v.22 para análise estatística. Resultados: Foram obtidos 300 questionários, provenientes de mulheres com idade média de 31 anos. Entre as grávidas que responderam ao questionário, 46,3% possuíam diploma universitário e 64% estavam empregadas. Apenas 14% tiveram consulta prévia de Anestesiologia. O grau de satisfação em torno da experiência do parto foi bom/excelente para 87% das mulheres. A analgesia epidural foi realizada em 96% das grávidas, tendo 82,1% considerado a analgesia excelente e 40,7% avaliado como superior ao esperado. Em relação aos mitos, 52,5% acreditam que a técnica epidural apresenta uma dose limite e 58,9% consideram que a técnica acarreta dor permanente nas costas. O nível de escolaridade mostrou-se significativamente associado a alguns mitos (p < 0,05), uma vez que as mulheres com maior grau de escolaridade não acreditam na maioria destes. Discussão: Este estudo demonstra a necessidade da avaliação da informação que as mulheres possuem sobre a analgesia do trabalho de parto. As necessidades individuais devem ser geridas por equipas multidisciplinares que incluamanestesiologistas. Conclusão: A satisfação materna com o parto e respetiva analgesia é um processo complexo e dinâmico, que inclui e não se limita ao alívio da dor.

Severe recalled labor pain and elective cesarean section in a subsequent delivery: a cohort study of Norwegian parous women.

INTRODUCTION: Some women keep on recalling intense labor pain experienced at childbirth to a degree that may negatively affect their life during the postpartum period or lead them to request a cesarean section (CS) in the subsequent delivery. This longitudinal study aimed to assess the impact of severe recalled labor pain from the previous birth on the preference for and delivery by an elective CS in the subsequent delivery. Furthermore, we investigated whether co-occurring maternal demographic, somatic and mental health factors related to the previous and subsequent delivery, explain parts of a potential association. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study sample comprised 1135 parous women from the Akershus Birth Cohort. Severe recalled labor pain was assessed on a numeric rating scale at pregnancy week 17, and at pregnancy week 32, the preference for an elective CS for the subsequent delivery was assessed. Information on actual delivery by elective CS in the subsequent delivery was retrieved from the electronic birth record. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the impact of severe recalled labor pain on elective CS. RESULTS: Severe recalled labor pain at the previous birth was associated with a preference for an elective CS (odds ratio [OR] 3.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.25-5.67) and actual delivery by elective CS (OR 4.71, 95% CI 2.32-9.59). This association remained statistically significant for the preference for an elective CS (adjusted OR [aOR] 2.12, 95% CI 1.24-3.62) but diminished for delivery by elective CS (aOR 2.30, 95% CI 0.99-5.35) when adjusting for a variety of covariates. Factors related to previous childbirth such as number of years since previous birth, assisted vaginal delivery, anal sphincter lesions, overall birth experience and fear of childbirth were also linked to preference for and delivery by an elective CS. CONCLUSIONS: Women with severe recalled labor pain were about twice as likely to prefer an elective CS compared with women without severe recalled pain. For actual delivery, the significant association with severe recalled pain diminished after adjustment for covariates. However, sample size was small and, irrespective of severe recalled labor pain, preference for an elective CS was statistically significantly associated with actual delivery by elective CS.

Experiences as Actors: Labor Pains in Childbirth Care in Germany.

Taking labor pains in childbirth care in Germany as a case study, I develop a practice-based notion of experience. Labor pains are sociomaterial experiences and effected actors that are shared and "worked with." Drawing on fieldwork, I show an extensive repertoire of possible interventions used to deal with, and to co-enact, continuously shifting actorships of labor pains in childbirth care. These actorships include helpful tools, unproductive sensations, effective work, fruitless investments, products of bodily tension, and pure labor pains. Experiences such as labor pains are not only passively known, felt and done but also take active part in shaping (childbirth care) practices.

Dosage of oxytocin for augmentation of labor and women's childbirth experiences: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare childbirth experiences and experience of labor pain in primiparous women who had received high- vs low-dose oxytocin for augmentation of delayed labor. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A multicenter, parallel, double-blind randomized controlled trial took place in six Swedish labor wards. Inclusion criteria were healthy primiparous women at term with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies, cephalic fetal presentation, spontaneous onset of labor, confirmed delayed labor progress and ruptured membranes. The randomized controlled trial compared high- vs low-dose oxytocin used for augmentation of a delayed labor progress. The Childbirth Experience Questionnaire version 2 (CEQ2) was sent to the women 1 month after birth. The CEQ2 consists of 22 items in four domains: Own capacity, Perceived safety, Professional support and Participation. In addition, labor pain was reported with a visual analog scale (VAS) 2 hours postpartum and 1 month after birth. The main outcome was the childbirth experience measured with the four domains of the CEQ2. The clinical trial number is NCT01587625. RESULTS: The CEQ2 was sent to 1203 women, and a total of 1008 women (83.8%) answered the questionnaire. The four domains of childbirth experience were scored similarly in the high- and low-dose oxytocin groups of women: Own capacity (P = .36), Perceived safety (P = .44), Professional support (P = .84), Participation (P = .49). VAS scores of labor pain were reported as similar in both oxytocin dosage groups. Labor pain was scored higher 1 month after birth compared with 2 hours postpartum. There was an association between childbirth experiences and mode of birth in both the high- and low-dose oxytocin groups. CONCLUSIONS: Different dosage of oxytocin for augmentation of delayed labor did not affect women's childbirth experiences assessed through CEQ2 1 month after birth, or pain assessment 2 hours or 1 month after birth.

Epidurals during normal labour and birth - Midwives' attitudes and experiences.

BACKGROUND: Midwives have their own beliefs and values regarding pain during childbirth. Their preferences concerning labour pain management may influence women's choices. AIM: To gain a deeper understanding of midwives' attitudes and experiences regarding the use of an epidural during normal labour. METHODS: A qualitative approach was chosen for data collection. Ten in-depth interviews were conducted with midwives working in three different obstetric units in Norway. The transcribed interviews were analysed using Malterud's systematic text condensation. FINDINGS: The analysis provided two main themes: "Normal childbirth as the goal" and "Challenges to the practice, knowledge, philosophy and experience of midwives". Distinctive differences in experiences and attitudes were found. The workplace culture in the obstetric units affected the midwives' attitudes and their midwifery practice. How they attended to women with epidural also differed. An epidural was often used as a substitute for continuous support when the obstetric unit was busy. DISCUSSION: Midwives estimate labour pain differently, and this might impact the midwifery care. However, midwives' interests and preferences concerning labour pain management should not influence women's choices. Midwives are affected by the setting where they work, and research highlights that an epidural might lead to a focus on medical procedures instead of the normality of labour. CONCLUSION: Midwives should be aware of how powerful their position is and how the workplace culture might influence their attitudes. The focus should be on "working with" women to promote a normal birth process, even with an epidural.

Being in charge in an encounter with extremes. A survey study on how women experience and work with labour pain in a Nordic home birth setting.

PROBLEM: There is a knowledge gap regarding women's experiences of coping with labour pain when not soliciting or not having access to pharmacological pain relief. BACKGROUND: How women manage labour pain is complex, multifaceted and only the woman giving birth can assess the experienced pain. Women in the Nordic countries planning for a homebirth have little or no access to pharmacologic pain relief during labour. AIM: The aim of this study was to explore how women experience and work with labour pain when giving birth in their own home. METHODS: Quantitative and qualitative data was prospectively collected and altogether 1649 women with a planned homebirth answered closed and open-ended questions about labour pain and birth experience. RESULTS: While labour pain was often experienced as positive or very positive, the intensity was experienced as severe or the worst imaginable pain. Two main themes arose from the womens´ descriptions of their birth experience regarding labour pain: An encounter with extremes and Being in charge at home. DISCUSSION: Women perceived labour pain as severe but manageable and were dedicated to completing the birth at home. Being at home enabled the women to exercise autonomy and work with labour pain on their own terms, together with the midwife and support persons. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides knowledge about women's experiences of labour pain in a home birth setting who used varying strategies to work with labour pain. This is a subject that should be explored further since results could also apply to facility-based birth settings.

Comparing the effect of acupressure with or without ice in LI-4 point on labour pain and anxiety levels during labour: a randomised controlled trial.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of acupressure with or without ice on reducing pain and anxiety during labour. The anxiety level of mothers was measured before and after study using Spielberger Inventory along with the labour pain. To improve the strength of this study, a meta-analysis was conducted on the effect of acupressure in point LI-4 on anxiety during labour. Ninety women in labour were randomly divided into three groups: acupressure with ice, acupressure without ice and the control group. The result suggested that women receiving both acupressure with ice (p = .005) or without ice (p < .001) experienced less labour pain in comparison with the control group. Also, the labour pain severity in acupressure without ice was lower than the group with ice (p < .001). Acupressure with (p = 1) or without (p = .09) ice was not significantly different from the control group in terms of the anxiety level. However, women in the group of acupressure without ice experienced less anxiety in comparison with acupressure with ice (p = .04). The difference in pain severity before and after treatment with acupressure with (RCI = 2.86) or without ice (RCI = 5.54) was clinically significant. The intervention was not clinically meaningful in terms of anxiety.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Previous trials have exhibited that acupressure with/without ice reduced pain and anxiety during labour.What do the results of this subject add? The results of this research was consistent with previous studies, suggesting that acupressure, with or without ice, is more effective than the control group regarding labour pain. However, the group of acupressure with ice was not different from the control group with respect to the anxiety level.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? In light of advantages, such as growing preference of women, researcher and health care providers for physiological delivery coupled with its safety and simplicity, it can be used as an effective technique to manage labour pain. Further studies are required to assess the effect of acupressure at L4 on the anxiety level.

Virtual Reality Reduces Pain in Laboring Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Virtual reality (VR) represents a potential method for easing labor pain and in nonpregnant patients has been shown to achieve similar or greater analgesia than hydromorphone. Few studies of VR have been performed in pregnant women. The aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to evaluate whether VR is effective in reducing pain in laboring women. STUDY DESIGN: An open-label, RCT of nulliparous, term women in labor in a tertiary care hospital. We included women with a pain score level of 4 to 7 having regular contractions at least every 5 minutes. We excluded women who had received any pharmacologic pain relief including neuraxial analgesia and those with contraindications to VR. Participants were randomized to up to 30 minutes of either VR or the control arm (no additional intervention). Our primary outcome was the difference in differences from pre- to postintervention pain score. Prespecified secondary outcomes included postintervention pain scores, duration of intervention use, pharmacologic analgesia use, maternal vitals, and obstetric outcomes. RESULTS: From March 2018 to February 2019, 40 subjects were enrolled, randomized, and completed the study; 19 were randomized to control and 21 to the VR arm. Most baseline characteristics were similar between groups. For the primary outcome, those assigned to the control arm had a statistically significant increase in pain of +0.58, while the VR arm had a significant reduction in pain of -0.52 (p = 0.03). There was also a difference in the proportion who had a minimum clinically important difference in pain (0% control and 23.8% VR; p = 0.049). Postintervention maternal heart rate was higher in the control arm (86.8 vs. 76.3, p = 0.01). Most other secondary outcomes did not differ. CONCLUSION: In our study, we found that VR was effective for reducing pain in women in labor as compared with those receiving no intervention. KEY POINTS: · Virtual reality (VR) represents a nonpharmacologic option for pain relief.. · VR has been little studied in pregnant or laboring women.. · VR was associated with a reduction in pain in nulliparous women in labor..

Understanding childbirth pain in Brazilian women: A qualitative descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: The pain associated with childbirth is a cause of severe pain, and the literature suggests that it can be influenced by psychosocial influences, the environment, and cognitive processes, creating the overall experience of childbirth. Therefore, the investigation of women's childbirth pain experience is essential. AIM: The purpose of this study is to understand women's childbirth pain and determine which influences can contribute to building different experiences. METHOD: A qualitative descriptive approach was adopted to explore the women's childbirth pain experiences, by understanding the influences on their experiences. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 21 women in a hospital setting in São Paulo, Brazil, and analysed by thematic analysis. RESULTS: Three major themes emerged from the analysis: (1) experiencing childbirth pain, (2) face-to-face with pain, and (3) empowerment needs. DISCUSSION: Many factors influence how Brazilian women manage pain and shape their experience during childbirth. The findings suggest that when women had a positive experience, they asked for minimal support, demonstrated balance, and expressed that the pain was manageable; when they had unfavourable experiences, they regarded pain as a threat and a punishment and associated it with unpleasant emotions. CONCLUSION: The results outlined concerns that should be addressed in the provision of specific, appropriate care for women, to support them in improving their experience during childbirth.

Controle tecnológico do corpo e da vida: cesariana entre mulheres usuárias do setor privado / Control tecnológico del cuerpo y la vida: cesariana entre mujeres usuarias del sector privado / Technological control of the human body and life: c-section among women private sector users

Resumo O artigo analisa os sentidos que a ideia de controle do corpo e da vida adquire nos discursos acerca da decisão sobre o parto, a partir das falas de mulheres que realizaram cirurgia cesariana em maternidades privadas da região metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro e do município de São Paulo. A abordagem teórico-metodológica é da análise das práticas discursivas e produção de sentidos. Dor, integridade corporal, controle dos riscos, estética do parto e os tempos (social e reprodutivo) são acionados como elementos contidos no ideário de controle que circunda a cesárea como uma prática de nascimento. Esse controle seria exercido em redes de interações entre mulheres, familiares, profissionais, objetos tecnológicos médicos e não médicos e instituições.

Resumen El artículo analiza los sentidos que la idea de control del cuerpo y de la vida adquiere en los discursos acerca de la decisión sobre el parto a partir de las palabras de mujeres que realizaron cirugía cesárea en maternidades privadas de la región metropolitana de Río de Janeiro y del municipio de São Paulo. El enfoque teórico-metodológico es del análisis de las prácticas discursivas y la producción de sentidos. El dolor, integridad corporal, control de los riesgos, estética del parto y los tiempos (social y reproductivo) son accionados como elementos contenidos em el ideario de control que circunda la cesárea como una práctica de nacimiento. Este control se ejerceren redes de interacción entre mujeres, familiares, profesionales, objetos tecnológicos médicos y no médicos, e instituciones.

Abstract This paper analyses the way that the idea of control of body and life gets in the discourse about the decision on childbirth from the speech of women who underwent cesarean surgery in private hospitals in the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. The theoretical-methodological approach is the analysis of discursive practices and the production of meanings. Pain, body integrity, risk control, birth aesthetics and times (social and reproductive) are triggered as elements contained in the control idea that surrounds cesarean delivery as a birth practice.This control would be exercised in interaction networks among women, family, professional, medical and non-medical technological objects, and institutions.

Percepciones y deseos sobre el parto en gestantes a término en Zamora / Perceptions and wishes about delivery of full-term pregnant women in Zamora

OBJETIVO: Describir las percepciones y deseos sobre el parto en un grupo de gestantes a término de Zamora. MÉTODO: Estudio cualitativo de carácter fenomenológico. Participantes y ámbito de estudio: embarazadas de 37-38 semanas, centros de salud Zamora Sur y Santa Elena (Zamora). Recogida de datos: entrevistas semiestructuradas, hasta llegar a saturación de datos (16 entrevistas). Análisis de datos: análisis de contenido temático. RESULTADOS: Los sentimientos maternos variaron desde la alegría hasta el miedo o el estrés. Las entrevistadas manifestaron no sentirse capaces de soportar el dolor del parto. Las necesidades que sintieron como más importantes fueron contar con apoyo y acompañamiento en el parto (sobre todo de su pareja) y recibir buen trato de los sanitarios. CONCLUSIONES: La importancia y la repercusión del parto para la mujer no solo atiende al ámbito biológico, sino en gran medida también al mental, al emocional y al social. En él intervienen múltiples factores que lo condicionan: los sentimientos maternos, su capacidad de afrontar el dolor del parto, sus necesidades, sus cambios realizados, el apoyo con el que cuentan y los profesionales sanitarios que atienden a la mujer

OBJECTIVE: To describe perceptions and wishes regarding childbirth in a group of full-term pregnant women in Zamora. METHOD: Qualitative study of phenomenological character. Participants and scope of study: pregnant women (37-38 weeks), Zamora Sur and Santa Elena health centres (Zamora, Spain). Data collection: semi-structured interviews, until data saturation (16 interviews). Data analysis: analysis of thematic content. RESULTS: The maternal feelings varied from joy to fear or stress. The interviewees said they did not feel capable of enduring the pain of childbirth. The needs that they felt most important were having support and accompaniment during delivery (especially of their partner) and receiving good treatment from the healthcare workers. CONCLUSIONS: The importance and repercussion of childbirth for women are not only biological, but also largely mental, emotional and social. It is conditioned by multiple factors: maternal feelings, their ability to deal with the pain of childbirth, their needs, the changes they have made, the support they have and the health professionals who care for them

Development of the Labor Pain Relief Attitude Questionnaire for pregnant women (LPRAQ-p).

BACKGROUND: Receiving epidural analgesia during labor can possibly have negative consequences for mother and child. Yet, the use of epidural analgesia rapidly increased in the Netherlands over the last decade. Since antenatal plans for labor pain relief have been related to epidural analgesia use during labor, the aim of the current study was to develop a Labor Pain Relief Attitude Questionnaire for pregnant women (LPRAQ-p). METHODS: Three focus group interviews were conducted with pregnant women, new mothers and caregivers and 13 candidate items were derived. Psychometric properties were tested with explorative factor analysis in sample I (N = 429) and a subsequent confirmatory factor analysis in a different sample II (N = 432). RESULTS: The explorative factor analysis suggested a two-factor seven-item solution: a 'women's perception' and 'social environment' subscale. The confirmatory factor analysis confirmed an excellent six-item model fit with appropriate internal consistency. Higher scores on the six-item LPRAQ-p indicate greater willingness for request of pain relief medication during labor. Two-tailed t-tests showed that women with elevated levels of depression and pregnancy-specific distress symptoms, nulliparous women and multiparous women with complications during a previous delivery had greater willingness for request of pain relief medication during labor. Linear regression showed that the most important association with higher scores on the LPRAQ-p were high pregnancy-specific distress symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the LPRAQ-p to be a valid instrument to evaluate attitude towards labor pain relief in pregnant women. High scores on this questionnaire are associated with high levels of pregnancy-specific distress symptoms.

Perceived strategies to reduce traumatic childbirth amongst Iranian childbearing women: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Psychological birth trauma (PBT), mainly due to overlooking maternal mental health, is a common and high prevalence public health problem in low-resource settings. Preventing PBT is a good indicator of the realization of human rights in healthcare. This work reports the results of a qualitative study that aimed to identify perceived strategies of PBT prevention among childbearing women in Iran. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with 22 mothers with history of traumatic childbirth, two mothers with positive childbirth experience, two spouses, and eight health professionals between April and June 2017. We used purposive sampling method to recruit traumatized mothers, while health experts were selected based on their relevant expertise and experience. Our initial literature review identified eight categories, using which we developed our interview guide and conducted the content analysis approach. RESULTS: With the maximum possible purification, we reached 50 thematic codes. The strategies to prevent PBT are generally summarized in four major themes and 13 categories: 1) skill-builder knowledge [Birth preparedness, Mothers' empowerment in maintaining mental health, Understanding the importance of mental care in maternity services], 2) responsible caregiving [Support loop, Good behavior of the caregivers, Deepening trust, Struggle with medicalization of childbirth, Labour pain relief, Special services for maternal mental health], 3) the alliance of prenatal and antenatal care [Continuity of care, Coordination of prenatal and antenatal caregivers], and 4) reconstruction of the structures [Efficient management, Rebuilding physical structures]. CONCLUSIONS: This is a comprehensive approach towards PBT prevention, which can guide future efforts to reduce PBT at the clinical level and open further avenues for future studies. We recommend policy makers to consider the integration of multilevel and multidimensional PBT prevention interventions, simultaneously within maternity care services packages for promotion of mental health.