Labour pain experience and intensity: a Jordanian perspective

Abstract

In this descriptive study, 100 low-risk participants who delivered vaginally were recruited from the postpartum unit of a major hospital in the city of Amman. Three instruments, the Numeric Pain Intensity Scale (NPIS), a pain assessment questionnaire and a demographic questionnaire were used to assess labour experiences and labour pain intensity levels. The majority of Jordanian parturients did not receive pain relief. Eighty-one women reported pain intensity levels of > or = 8 on the NPIS (ranging from 0-10). The mean pain intensity level during the second stage of labour was 8.83. A significant difference in age was found between primiparas and multiparas. Jordanian parturients reported painful labour experiences; therefore, re-evaluation of current maternity nursing and midwifery practices and roles regarding labour pain management are warranted. The roles of supporter and educator among maternity nurses and midwives in Jordan also need to improve considerably.