Pain Management for Obstetric Patient

Pain Management for Obstetric patient
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PART 1
Introduction
People respond to pain differently depending on different circumstances. This depends on several factors, for example, fear of the unknown, previous experience with similar situation, cultural backgrounds and even fatigue. Women in labor have to automatically experience pain during delivery. Labor comes with pain experienced at different stages depending on individuals attitude and preparedness. However, pain can be managed using various measures that include pharmacological and non-pharmacological ways. The two methods vary; therefore, one can choose the method that suits her situation. To have a clear understand of the nature of pain during pregnancy one needs to understand the source of pain itself (Kent, K et al., 2003). The paper highlights different ways of managing pain especially for intrapartum patients looking at the benefits of such measures and the risk related to each method identified. The paper also illustrates several factors that need to be considered when coming up with a plan to teach expectant women who needs special attention.
Sources of Pain for the Antepartum Patient
The period before birth is referred to as anterartum; this is the time which women experience labor pains, but at a minimal level. It should not cause any worries especially for those without complications. The source of pain at this point can be related to pregnancy or not related to pregnancy. In relation to pregnancy, the stretching of ligaments that are attached to the uterus normally makes pregnant women feel uncomfortable causing pain in the lower abdomen. Women can also experience backache at times due to the expansion of the pelvic. When women start experiencing labor, the pelvic becomes lenient causing backaches. At times a wrong posture can contribute to backaches especially if the abdomen is pushed outwards because it enlarges (Graham, Davis, Semelka &, Fielding, 2012).
Sources of Pain for the Intrapartum Patient
The main source of pain during intrapartum period is due to contraction of the uterine walls. This is an indication that the baby is almost being delivered. During this time, the levels of pain are high because of several factors including fear, anxiety and age. Most women develop fear during labor because of uncertainty; they are not sure what to expect during this process. During labor, the opening of the cervix and uterine walls to provide way for the fetus causes a lot of pain in women. When the fetus move towards the pelvic there are pressure in the areas surrounding the pelvic, these are some areas which do not normally experience pain. Therefore, when subjected to pressure, it results to pain that the women experience before delivery. Before the fetus comes out, the vagina also experience pain because it has to stretch to enable the fetus have space for passing through (Graham et al., 2012).
Sources of Pain for the Postpartum Patient
Immediately after giving birth, women feel some relief as the body tries to adjust to the normal ways of functioning again. This might cause some painful experience because the whole body expanded, therefore, after giving birth it automatically shrinks back especially the uter...