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BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research article

Labour pain experiences and perceptions: a qualitative study among post-partum women in Ghana

Authors: Lydia Aziato, Angela Kwartemaa Acheampong, Kitimdow Lazarus Umoar

Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

Women have experienced severe labour pain over the years and various attempts have been made to effectively manage labour pain. However, there is paucity of literature on the labour pain experience and perceptions about labour pain with the contemporary Ghanaian health system. Therefore this study sought to gain an in-depth understanding on labour pain experiences and perceptions of post-partum women.

Methods

The study adopted an exploratory descriptive qualitative approach and collected data through individual interviews. Informed consent was obtained from all the participants who were purposively sampled. After transcription of interviews, the data were analyzed inductively using content analysis techniques.

Results

Women in this study experienced pain during labour rated as mild, moderate and severe and the pain was felt at the waist area, vagina, lower abdomen and the general body. The women expressed labour pain through crying, screaming and shouting. They prayed to God to help reduce the severe pain. Some women endured the pain, cried inwardly and others showed no sign of pain. Some women believed that crying during labour is a sign of weakness. Pain reliefs such as pethidine (Meperidine) was occasionally given. Non-pharmacologic measures employed included walking around, deep breathing, side-lying, waist holding, squatting, taking a shower and chewing gum. The individuality of pain experience and expression was emphasized and the socio-cultural orientation of women made some of them stoic.

Conclusion

We concluded that it is necessary for all health professionals to manage labour pain effectively taking the socio-cultural context into consideration.
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Metadata
Title
Labour pain experiences and perceptions: a qualitative study among post-partum women in Ghana
Authors
Lydia Aziato
Angela Kwartemaa Acheampong
Kitimdow Lazarus Umoar
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2393
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-017-1248-1

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