Pain Management for the Obstetric Patient

Pain Management for the Obstetric Patient
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Pain Management for the Obstetric Patient
PART 1
Introduction
Pain is subjective and people have different experiences as far as pain is concerned. When an individual feels pain, there is the tendency to respond with certain expressions and other coping behaviors (Carr, Christensen, & Layzell, 2010). However, individuals respond to pain uniquely and this depends on different factors such as the level of fear, cultural background, fatigue, previous experiences with pain and individual tolerance to pain among others. For women in labor, pain is a common thing. Different stages of labor experience different forms and levels of pain. Various ways or measures exist through which a woman in labor can use to manage pain. These include both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic methods of pain management (Vadivelu, Urman, & Hines, 2011). During labor, one can employ the use of a single method of managing pain, or a number of different methods can be used depending on the level of pain being experienced by the patient. In understanding the subject topic, it is important to understand the sources of pain during pregnancy and labor period. This paper would further identify different pain management measures for the intrapartum patient, pinpointing some of the benefits and risks associated with each. In addition, the paper will discuss the various factors to be considered when developing a teaching plan for expectant women of various special needs.
Sources of Pain for the Antepartum Patient
The anterartum is the period before birth. During this time, women with uncomplicated pregnancies may experience some pain, which do not have to be a source of worry. Some of the common sources of pain in this stage may be related or unrelated to the pregnancy. During the development of pregnancy, the ligaments attached to the uterus stretches causing some discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen region. Backache is another common pain during anterartum. This problem is caused by the expansion of the pelvis as it becomes lax when the pregnant women approached the labour period. Sometimes, the backache is heightened by wrong postures. For instance, as the abdomen enlarges, the woman may have the tendency to push the tummy outwards, which may worsen the pain.
Sources of Pain for the Intrapartum Patient
During the labor period, pregnant women are susceptible to various pains. The levels of such pains depend on individuals and are influenced by different factors such as fear, anxiety, and age among others (Lesch, 2014). One of the most common causes of labor pains is the contraction of uterine walls. During labor, the cervix and the lower uterine segment dilate to allow the movement of the fetus towards pelvic. The second source of pain occurs during pushing. As the fetus approaches, the pelvic, greater pressure occurs at the presenting part of the pelvic structures and other surrounding structures. Usually, these structures are pain sensitive and hence the process causes severe pain to the delivering mother. The vagina also experiences unbearable pain as it stretches to allow the passage of the baby.
Sources of Pain for the Postpartum Patient
After the birth of a chil...