Abstract

COSTA, R.; FIGUEIREDO, B.; PACHECO, A.  and  PAIS, A.. Labor: expectations, experiences, pain and satisfaction. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2003, vol.4, n.1, pp.47-67. ISSN 1645-0086.

The main aim of the present study is to describe the childbirth experience in Portuguese women, particularly the expectations, satisfaction and pain during labor, delivery and the immediate postpartum. Between the 1st and the 5th day after childbirth, 115 primiparous mothers fulfilled the "Experience and Satisfaction with Delivery Questionnaire" (Questionário de Experiência e Satisfação com o Parto, QESP, QEPS, Costa, Figueiredo, Pacheco, Marques, & Pais, submited) at Júlio Dinis Maternity Hospital (Porto, Portugal). During labor and delivery most women feel that previous expectancies aren't confirmed in some aspects, that are excluded from medical decisions, aren't prepared and have insufficient information, usually don't use respiration and relaxation methods and when they use it, don't think that this methods are helpful, experience a high number of negative emotions, as well as high levels of pain, are very concern about baby's health and consider the partner's support very helpful when he is present. Postpartum is considered to be painful, although the pain doesn't interfere on the capacity to take care of the baby or to relate with the partner. In general, during labor, delivery and postpartum, the majority of women seem to be unsatisfied with intensity of pain although very satisfied with the health professional's care.

Keywords : Childbirth experience; Delivery; Expectancies; Labor; Pain; Postpartum; Satisfaction.

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