title: The pain and discomfort of labor and birth.
abstract: One unique aspect of childbirth is the association of this physiologic process with pain and discomfort. However, the experience of pain during labor is not a simple reflection of the physiologic processes of parturition. Instead, labor pain is the result of a complex and subjective interaction of multiple physiologic and psychological factors on a woman's individual interpretation of labor stimuli. An understanding of labor pain in a multidimensional framework provides the basis for a woman-centered approach to labor pain management that includes a broad range of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic intervention strategies.
authors.affiliation: Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus 43210-1289, USA.
authors.forename: N K
authors.initials: NK
authors.lastname: Lowe
mesh_terms: D016362:Analgesia, Obstetrical / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D009773:Obstetric Nursing / Q000379:methods; D010146:Pain / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011247:Pregnancy