Pain in childbirth and postpartum recovery: the role of catastrophizing.
This prospective study investigated how pain catastrophizing was related to labor pain intensity and physical recovery after childbirth. Eighty-eight women giving birth for the first time completed the first questionnaire before delivery. Eighty-two of those returned the second questionnaire after delivery. Participants were classified as catastrophizers (n=38) or non-catastrophizers (n=44) based on their scores on the Pain Catastrophizing Scale. Comparison of the groups showed that catastrophizers anticipated and experienced more intense pain (p<.0125) and had poorer physical recovery (p<.0125), measured as the level of self-reported functioning in activities of daily living, than non-catastrophizers. These results extend the association between catastrophizing and pain, to pain and recovery in childbirth and provide support for the fear-avoidance model. It is concluded that pain catastrophizing plays a role in the experience of pain in childbirth and postpartum recovery. Further research is needed to identify appropriate interventions for catastrophizing women during the latter part of pregnancy.
Flink
Ida K
IK
Center for Health and Medical Psychology, Department of Behavioural, Social and Legal Sciences - Psychology, Orebro University, Sweden. ida.flink@bsr.oru.se
Mroczek
Magdalena Z
MZ
Sullivan
Michael J L
MJ
Linton
Steven J
SJ
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000523:psychology*; D005239:Fear / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D048949:Labor Pain / Q000523:psychology*; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000523:psychology*; D036801:Parturition / Q000523:psychology*; D049590:Postpartum Period / Q000523:psychology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology*; D012647:Self-Assessment; D055815:Young Adult