Maximizing Comfort in The Laboring Woman Flashcards
Visceral Pain
- From cervical changes, distention of lower uterine segment, & uterine ischemia
- 1st & 3rd stages of labor
- Lower portion of abdomen
Referred Pain
- Originated in uterus, radiates to abdominal wall, lumbosacral area of back, iliac crests, gluteal area, & down thighs
Somatic Pain
- Pain described as intense, sharp, burning, & localized
-
Results From:
> distention/traction on the peritoneum & uterocervical supports during contractions
> pressure against the bladder/rectum
> stretching/distention of perineal tissues & pelvic floor to allow passage of fetus
> lacerations of soft tissue - 2nd stage of labor
When is the woman free of pain during 1st stage of labor
Btwn contractions
Pain experienced during the 3rd stage of labor is similar to that of
- Visceral pain
- Results from placenta being delivered
Non-Pharmacologic Pain Management
-
Cutaneous Stimulation Strategies
> counterpressure
> effleurage (light massage)
> TENS -
Sensory Stimulation Strategies
> breathing techniques
> music
> imagery -
Cognitive Strategies
> birth education: Lamaze/Bradley - These techniques are comparable and as effective as opioids
- For the best results these will require practice
Non-Pharmacologic Pain Management - Breathing Technique
Maintaining a breathing rate tht is no more than twice her normal rate
Non-Pharmacologic Pain Management - Counterpressure
Steady pressure applied by a support person to the sacral area with a form object (tennis ball) or the fist or heel of hand
Non-Pharmacologic Pain Management - Effleurage
Light stroking, usually of the abdomen, in rhythm w/ breathing during contractions
Non-Pharmacologic Pain Management - Hydrotherapy Contraindications
- Preterm labor
- Continuous FHR monitoring
- Vaginal bleeding
- Infections
Factors Influencing Pain
physiologic, anxiety, experience
-
Physiologic Factors
> fatigue affects coping -
Anxiety
> mild is normal
> as anxiety/fear incrs muscle tension incrs & the effectiveness of uterine contractions dcr -
Previous Experience
> multiparas handle the pain better than women having their 1st
Gate-Control Theory of Pain
- Its the idea of blocking the nerve pathways to the spinal cord
- If less pain signal make it to brain then in theory you should feel less pain, trying to introduce the brain to positive stim by using 5 senses
-
Methods Used:
> distraction: massage, guided imagery, music, hypnosis
Factors Influencing Pain
comfort, support, envir’t
-
Comfort
> positive feedback, encourage,ent, & reminders tht labor & birth are normal processes
> caring nursing approach & a supportive presence -
Support
> women w/ more support are less likely to use pain meds/epidural & are more likely to experience a spontaneous vag birth -
Environment
> homelike setting bc it’s comfortable
Pharmacologic Pain Management
when should this be implemented
Before pain is so severe tht carecholamines incr & labor is prolonged
Pharmacologic Pain Management - Sedatives
-
Causes
> dcr anxiety
> induce sleep -
Avoid
> barbiturate if birth is anticipated in 12-24hrs -
Caution
> these drugs can cross blood-brain barrier & effect fetus