The physiological process of labour and birth and how a woman experiences her pain is very subjective and uniquely individual. Each woman's understanding and perception of her pain is hers alone.
There are many internal and external factors that can influence how a woman:
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Approaches her labour pain psychologically or how she believes she is going to manage and cope with the pain when it comes, or as it intensifies. |
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Interprets the level of pain when it is occurring, how well she is 'coping' and what decisions she makes about the ways she chooses to manage or control the pain. |
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Will ultimately look back at her labour and birth once it has finished, viewing it as either a positive or negative experience. |
These factors can also be individually influenced by the woman's past, personal experiences of other pain felt in her life, her interpretations of other women's birth experiences and her beliefs about her 'pain threshold'. Expectations placed upon her, and those put onto her from others, can also have a bearing, as well as social attitudes and cultural beliefs.
The main influences that can shape the woman's views and perceptions of her labour pain, during the pregnancy, labour and after the birth can include:
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Society's attitudes |
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Cultural and religious beliefs |
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The birth stories of others |
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Her own fears and concerns |
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Her expectations |
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The 'passive patient' persona |
You can explore these factors further (along with some strategies to help deal with these influences) in
Class 8.