The nature and management of labor pain: Part I. Nonpharmacologic pain relief

Lawrence Leeman, Patricia Fontaine, Valerie King, Michael C. Klein, Stephen Ratcliffe

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

37 Scopus citations

Abstract

Pain in labor is a nearly universal experience for childbearing women. A recent evidence-based symposium on the nature and management of labor pain brought together family physicians, obstetricians, midwives, obstetric anesthesiologists, and childbirth educators to discuss a series of commissioned systematic reviews. Although management of labor pain plays a relatively minor role in a woman's satisfaction with childbirth compared with the quality of the relationship with her maternity caregiver and the degree of participation she has in decision making, it is an important topic for women and their caregivers. Nonpharmacologic methods of pain relief such as labor support, intradermal water blocks, and warm water baths are effective techniques for management of labor pain. An increased availability of these methods can provide effective alternatives for women in labor.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1109-1112
Number of pages4
JournalAmerican family physician
Volume68
Issue number6
StatePublished - Sep 15 2003
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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