Women's beliefs of pain after childbirth: Critical insight for promoting behavioral strategies to regulate pain and reduce risks for maternal mortality.
Abigail M Pauley, Krista S Leonard, Nicole Cumbo and 10 others
PMID 36410313WHAT IT FOUND
Postpartum women described combining pain medications with physical activity, relaxation, or massage.
Some reported medication side effects, and some wanted clearer advice about non-drug options around childbirth.
Key findings
0130 of 32 women used both prescription pain medications and behavioral strategies in hospital, and 25 of 32 used both at home.
029 of 30 women who used both medications and behavioral strategies in hospital reported side effects from prescription medications.
0310 of 32 women wanted more education and communication about pain management options.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The sample was mostly white, married, well-educated, employed, and middle to upper socioeconomic class. Women with a history of substance use disorder were excluded. The study did not test whether behavioral strategies reduce pain, opioid use, or maternal mortality. It cannot show that any strategy caused better pain control. Responses may have been shaped by what participants thought researchers wanted to hear. No differences were observed between vaginal and cesarean deliveries, but the study may still have missed differences.
Declared interests
No author conflict of interest statement is provided in the supplied text. The article is listed as supported by NIH extramural research.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that behavioral strategies are proven to reduce opioid use, pain, or maternal mortality. This study asked women what they used and wanted. It did not compare outcomes or test an intervention.